Jack McKay on how football's new rules can benefit Cork  

Football needed to change. The FRC gave us those changes.

We had the inter-provincial games, which led to the necessary finetuning. Trial and success. Not much in the way of error.

Several challenge games followed in the months after. 

But the uncertainty remained with many. I include myself in that bracket.

We all waited patiently to see how the new football rules would perform on the first day out of the league. When there would be something at stake.

Points to play for, silverware to claim and relegation battles to avoid.

It’s still early days – but it looks positive.

SUCCESS 

The opening weekend was a resounding success.

The challenge game between Cork and Meath’s U20s and the senior fixture after were the first games under the new rules that I got to watch in the flesh.

I thoroughly enjoyed both contests.

The solo and go has sped up the game to a point where it’s unrecognisable. Factor in the new rules around dissent and the balance is near perfect.

The three-on-three rule has helped too, although the differences between the U20 and senior game in that regard were interesting to watch.

The seniors opted to spend most of their time hovering around the halfway line. In the U20 challenge both sets of attackers pitched tents on the edge of the square, remaining committed to their roles.

Unsurprisingly, the 40m scoring arc was the biggest change. The opportunity to attempt a two-pointer, either from play or placed balls has completely transformed the game.

The rules complement one another. The games were free flowing. Forwards are opting to take on their man. Goalkeepers add a new element to the possession game.

With their involvement further up the field, the risk carried is much more prominent than before.

There is value in counterattacking quickly now, rather than keeping possession. Teams will use that to their advantage, especially if the opposing goalkeeper likes to roam a little too far forward.

Meath’s U20s had their number one involved in build-up play from the start, but that was intentional. So much so to the point Matthew Kealy isn’t a goalkeeper, it’s not a position he plays.

He’s a forward but donned the ‘keeper jersey with the aim of primarily playing outfield. That’s something we’re going to see more of as the rules evolve, given how effective he was.

Both senior teams did similar. Even as the goalkeepers came forward, they were there to bring urgency, rather than drag the game to a standstill like in previous seasons.

Both games were thrilling. The National Football League clash took a little bit of time to get going, but once it did – it was an outstanding game of football. The best game I’ve seen in a while.

End to end drama. Players playing with aggression – looking to score rather than hold the ball.

It showed with the final score much more reminiscent of a hurling result. Results from around the grounds show that wasn’t a fluke either.

Roscommon beat Down 3-21 to 1-20. Monaghan put 2-22 past Cavan, who score 0-20. Cork finished with 2-19 to Meath’s 0-21.

The Rebels could have easily had three goals though, as Colm O’Callaghan unleashed a powerful effort that struck the woodwork, right where the post and crossbar meet.

The gasp from the crowd said a lot.

It was a shame he didn’t convert, but they were enjoying the game.

CONTRAST 

A stark contrast to the All-Ireland SFC Round 1 fixture with Louth at the same venue in 2022.

While on that occasion the Éire Óg midfielder did find the back of the net, barring his green flag – that was about all O’Callaghan contributed.

Apart from passes in every direction, but forward. It wasn’t a rugby match either.

Now, that’s not a criticism of Colm O’Callaghan, he’s a solid player. That’s a criticism of the sport, and the dour state it’s been in for years.

On that day, it got to a point where the crowd around me began to cheer each Cork pass. It was pathetic. An awful and forgettable game of football.

Thankfully that wasn't the case on Saturday.

No doubt we’ll see some games this season settled with incorrect calls from officials. It will be frustrating; it will be controversial.

Regardless, in the long run football is much better off.

The new rules mean football isn’t just watchable, it’s entertaining. As it should be.

Whatever about Cork’s performances in football, a more entertaining game is going to draw in bigger crowds and better support. It might be no harm for Cleary’s players to receive that.