FOOTBALL All-Ireland countdown: Ian O'Riordan talks to Conor Gormley as Tyrone prepare for the All-Ireland final

They've been on the championship road for over 17 weeks now, they've played nine games already, including three replays, and still Tyrone's footballers are working towards that ultimate goal of the season - the All-Ireland title.

Their last test against Kerry is within touching distance, but preparations continue apace for the final countdown to Sunday week.

"We haven't been holding back this week anyway," says Conor Gormley, whose frantic work-ethic and constant drive is typical of the Tyrone team.

"You don't want to think you've got to an All-Ireland and all the work is done. So we have been sharpening up a little, but more or less doing what we've done all summer, which has obviously been working for us."

Tyrone have already defied most laws of physical exertion with their ability to recover and peak again so soon after the most draining of matches. Yet Gormley believes there is no great secret to their enduring success.

"We've never minded playing the games, and this is the biggest one of the year, so we'll definitely be up for it. It's actually a bit strange not having a game for the three weeks. But I suppose the rest has got us focused again. We know we've a job to do."

Probably the main reason Tyrone are able to get the best out of themselves so frequently is their finely tuned level of preparation by manager Mickey Harte.

"Mickey still sticks to the two nights a week, so he doesn't overwork us. We just have to get our minds right now. But even if we'd had a good game Mickey brings us straight back down to earth with hard training," said Gormley. "He'll let you know if you're not doing your job right, but that's what it takes."

Then there's the versatility Harte instils in all his players, especially Gormley, who has roamed from right wing back to full back and to midfield. He stands by the motto of the jersey being all that matters, yet clearly Tyrone's revolving selections have worked to their advantage.

They have another obvious advantage over Kerry in that they've been tested to the maximum this summer, whereas the reigning champions haven't yet been in a true dog-fight.

"I think being two points down to Armagh with a couple of minutes to go we did show good character, to come back and not panic. I believe the extra games will actually benefit us. I think it's more about the mind now anyway than the body."

Kerry will obviously view Tyrone - and the 2003 semi-final - as unfinished business but Gormley is unconcerned.

"We're just focusing on our game. We have to play to our potential. I was down for the semi-final and obviously they looked very good. They seem to have taken on a bit of that blanket defence. We'll be well used to that physical thing, but it's Kerry's forwards we have to worry about, and their defence has been doing very well too.

"But I don't think the final will be overly physical - I think that's definitely being over-hyped. Kerry blew Cork off the field without being physical at all. Even in 2003 Kerry were coming strong at the end. They won't be long finishing you off if they get half a chance."