
AFL
Share
Published 14:39 29 Jul 2025 BST
Updated 14:39 29 Jul 2025 BST

David Clifford's two-point score just before half-time in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final is destined to become an iconic moment.
Kerry knew that a score before the break would be huge for momentum, and they got more they hoped for with a seven-point lead as the sides went down the tunnel.
They showed outstanding patience, knowing the hooter was coming, and waited for just the right time to pounce against Donegal's deep, zonal defence.
However, it did raise a point about the new hooter rule, which allows teams to play until the ball goes dead, taking the responsibility out of the referees hands.
On X, @GameSense asked whether teams will now hold on to possession, further and further away from the hooter.
As he points out, Kerry had possession at 33.20 on the clock, but will teams now hold the ball from as far back as the 30th minute?
And to prevent this from happening is a shot clock needed, like in basketball?
In a fascinating debate, others disagreed, pointing out that it was Donegal sitting back that forced Kerry to play conservatively and hold on to the ball.
One user wrote: "What Kerry do here is a legitimate strategy to attack against what they were facing, and required skill to do so (solving the problem the moment presents). A shot clock here would favour the defence, and encourage teams to sit back."
Another added: "Having a shot clock would just mean defensive teams like that don't have to try and go after the ball at all. The onus is on Donegal to push up and get the ball back. It was laughable that their own fans were even booing them for sitting back and letting kerry do what they did".
Another crucial point brought up was that shot clocks would seriously increase the physical toll on players, with no time to slow play down and take a breather.
In basketball, for example, this works better on smaller court and with constant substitutions.
Jim Gavin recently confirmed that a couple of huge new rules will be trialled at a club game this week.
And he and the FRC will surely have their own thoughts on this moment from the All-Ireland final.
Explore more on these topics:
Inside the Palestinian town where children are finding an escape through GAA
Gaelic Football in Qabatiya: Notes from a Protective Presence Volunteer by Matthew Mulcahey Located just six kilometres southwest of the historic city of Jenin, stands Qabatiya, a modesttown of approximately 30,000 people. According to the Oslo Accords, this town lies under Palestinian control, not Israeli. Despite this, the town has faced constant harassment and attacks […]
AFL
1 week ago
Kerry GAA boss calls out AFL clubs over ‘sneaky’ gift to players
He is not happy! The president of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, is set for big talks with AFL representatives before the end of the month, in their continued attempts to curb the flow of players to Australia. There are currently 14 Irish players contracted to AFL clubs, with these including some of the most talented […]
AFL
1 week ago
AFL
Cork hurlers take ex-Kerry coach with big management change
AFL