Many of the new rules proposed by the Football Review Committee were trialled in a Gaelic football game in Mullingar on Saturday afternoon.
The Football Review Committee led by Jim Gavin has brought forward a number of potential changes including awarding two points for a 'point' from the new 40-metre arc and four points for a goal.
Many of these were implemented on Saturday in a game refereed by David Coldrick, with more trials to follow in Claremorris, Portlaoise, Armagh and Limerick over the next few months.
Former Kerry manager and player Eamonn Fitzmaurice is a member of the Football Review Committee and speaking on The Sunday Game, he described how the first 'sandbox game' as it's being called, was a success in his eyes.
"The two point arc promoted the bit of long distance shooting and promoted the defence pushing out.
"There were more shots (because of the two point arc), and more shots dropping short and that created chaos around the goal-mouth, creating chaos which was good to see," he added.
Football Review Committee member Eamonn Fitzmaurice reveals how rule trials went on Saturday as a series of games were played around the country. pic.twitter.com/S7a00oGFcM
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Players from the midlands took part in the game where one of the biggest changes involved keeping three defensive players, including the goalkeeper, inside the 65 at all times.
Fitzmaurice explained the big impact of this rule, informed by a conversation he had with former Offaly player Nigel Dunne.
"One bit of feedback that we kind of laughed at afterwards was from Nigel Dunne," remarked Fitzmaurice.
"He was playing inside in the full forward line (in the trial game) and he felt that he finally was getting a chance to play as a full forward and to burn his energy inside there rather than chasing defenders back the field."
"The bear in the square is back," commented Ciaran Whelan quick as a flash.
"You can make a comeback," remarked Fitzmaurice.
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Another seemingly welcome change is an updated version of the advanced mark, with only catches inside the 21 applying.
The forward will also have the benefit of being allowed to play on with the option to go back for a mark if no advantage accrues.
It wasn't all positive, inevitably and Fitzmaurice hinted on The Sunday Game that 'possibly judging the kick inside for the advanced mark to make sure that they're inside the 20 metre line,' could provide some problems.
There was some criticism too, with Sligo manager Tony McEntee describing the survey the FRC sent out to players as 'manipulative, cunning and calculating' in a column for the Irish Examiner.
20 April 2024; Sligo manager Tony McEntee after his side's defeat in the Connacht GAA Football Senior Championship semi-final match between Sligo and Galway at Markievicz Park in Sligo. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
But Fitzmaurice disagrees with his viewpoint.
"In fairness to Tony and everyone else, everyone's entitled to their opinion," he said.
"That's why the free text-box is in the survey," he responded.
