1. Shane Ryan
Club: Rathmore. Age: 26
Good over his head, decent shot-stopper, safe coming out with the ball because he plays outfield for his club. Overdoes the short kick-out, which puts pressure on his defence. Late in the game, that could tell.
2. Graham O’Sullivan
Club: Dromid Pearses. Age: 24
Playing well this season and has established himself in the team. Found Paddy Small a bit of a handful when he replaced Lorcan O’Dell in the semi-final. Definite room for improvement there as he probably faces Rob Finnerty.
3. Jason Foley
Club: Ballydonoghue. Age: 24
Having his best season to date. Doesn’t take on more than he should, guards his patch, and uses his pace to good effect. Dean Rock suited him in the semi-final but Damien Comer will be a totally different prospect.
4. Tom O’Sullivan
Club: Dingle. Age: 25
Did well against Dublin after a season of struggles. Always a threat on the front foot and will probably get into scoring positions if Galway drop deep. His job is to keep Shane Walsh quiet – if he does that, the others can score the points.
5. Brian Ó Beaglaoích
Club: An Gealtacht. Age: 25
Another player having a fine season. Had a tough second half on Ciarán Kilkenny in the semi-final but didn’t drop the head and lifted the siege for Kerry when their kick-out came under pressure in the closing stages.
6. Tadhg Morley
Club: Templenoe. Age: 27
Solid in the sweeper role. Cian O’Sullivan had years to get it right for Dublin – Morley is learning on the job. This is a huge game in that process and if he pulls it off, he will make it his for years to come. Massively committed.
7. Gavin White
Club: Dr Crokes. Age: 24
Outstanding early in the year for Kerry. His speed in attack gives them something different so it’s understandable that he starts, despite the injury. Pulled off an inspirational block against Dublin. One of Kerry’s key players if he can go at full pelt.
8. David Moran
Club: Kerins O’Rahily’s. Age: 35
Having an outstanding year. Came on to steer Kerry home against Cork but unthinkable that he’d be left out of any game now. One of Kerry’s top three players this year. Brilliant positional sense, foot-passing and leadership.
9. Jack Barry
Club: Na Gaeil. Age: 27
Frustrating to watch. Kerry use him as a disrupter but that means he limits himself in what he does. A better player than he gives himself credit for. Needs to keep Galway guessing by getting out of his comfort zone and not being predictable.
10. Diarmuid O’Connor
Club: Na Gaeil. Age: 23
Looked very good in the league but has fallen off a bit in the championship. Dropped a good chance short into the keeper’s hands against Dublin, which looked like the kick of a man whose confidence is low. Needs a big game.
11. Seán O’Shea
Club: Kenmare Shamrocks. Age: 24
Showed what he can do in the semi-final. A typical Kerry forward – skilful, composed, not afraid to get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. Won’t shirk the big moment. A huge asset for Kerry.
12. Stephen O’Brien
Club: Kenmare Shamrocks. Age: 31
Outplayed by James McCarthy in the semi-final but this game is made for him to get redemption. Honest, a team player and a great foil for the other forwards. His hard running makes space for others to shine.
13. Paudie Clifford
Club: Fossa. Age: 26
Seriously influential against Dublin when the tide was going against Kerry. Very smart player who breaks holes in the opposition defence. Plays with his head up and makes good decisions in real time.
14. David Clifford
Club: Fossa. Age: 23
A generational player. Doesn’t want to be one of the greats who doesn’t win an All-Ireland. Outrageous skill levels, massive mental and physical toughness. Has been fighting injuries all year and still outstanding.
15. Paul Geaney
Club: Dingle. Age: 31
Good against Mayo, not good against Dublin. That will sting coming in here. Struggles a little playing in the same line as David Clifford because he’s always second choice for the ball. Has to find his role and execute.
Bench
Kerry need more from their substitutes than they’ve been getting so far. Joe O’Connor has done well when he has come on around centrefield. But Adrian Spillane made a couple of bad errors against Dublin and Killian Spillane’s radar was off. Tony Brosnan has it in him to make an impact but there’s no obvious match-winner here on the form so far.
[ Kevin McStay’s player-by-player guide to the Galway team to face KerryOpens in new window ]
