Antrim Football Thread

[Milltown Row2]

What's the thoughts on how teams approach the new season ahead?

Will teams revert back to what they know best for them, or give it a different more attacking approach

Dunloy sorta ripped up the typical mould we've seen over the years with their cavalier approach, be interesting to see if that is a template for other teams to adopt or is it too engrained in clubs to do that?

[UpTheSaffs17]

I can see a more defensive approach emerging, with a greater emphasis on exposing teams that lack quality two-point kickers.

From last year's league and championship matches, it was clear that teams kicking the majority of the two-pointers—such as Dunloy, Cargin, Creggan, and TNN—tend to have a high number of players capable of consistently striking from range.

Teams with reliable free-takers like Seann Elliot, Mick Byrne, Conor Small, and Jinny also seem to pick up around two to three two-pointers per game, largely due to opposition teams fouling outside the new two-point arc.

That said, after the first round of McKenna Cup fixtures involving Armagh, Tyrone, Cavan, and Monaghan, teams appear to have adapted to this new scoring method. Many are now setting up a soccer-like defensive formation from the top of the new arc back to the 21-metre line, doing their best to eliminate the chance of conceding a two-pointer. They seem relatively content to concede a one-pointer instead, as it is more manageable.

I'm hoping that the current wind and wet underfoot conditions are influencing this cautious approach, and that teams will adapt again as we move into spring and summer. If not, I can see many sides opting for a damage-limitation style rather than actively going after opponents. A good example is Dunloy vs St John's in last year's championship. The Johnnies lost by 20-plus points, conceding 15 two-pointers. There's no way they'll approach a team with Dunloy's two-point kicking ability in the same manner again.

Aside from all that, let's hope for faster hands, plenty of kicking, and an abundance of quality scores in the year ahead. I'd love to see sides like PG1, TNN, LD, and St Galls throw the handbrake off, really go for it, and make it an exciting year for both spectators and players

[Milltown Row2]

Dunloy played as a quick counter attacking team with a strong defense and a priority on over turning the ball.

If teams are breaking with pace it won't allow teams to set up in a manner as you have pointed out and will draw fouls possibly when players try and break the lines of the defensive set up..

Too early to say and it will be down to the managers and squad available to them, I think the year on from players taking the 2 pointers will actually have teams looking at training this a big part of their development, having more shooters around the D will give better options..

Be interesting

[NorthAntrimSaff]

I can see a more defensive approach emerging, with a greater emphasis on exposing teams that lack quality two-point kickers.

From last year's league and championship matches, it was clear that teams kicking the majority of the two-pointers—such as Dunloy, Cargin, Creggan, and TNN—tend to have a high number of players capable of consistently striking from range.

Teams with reliable free-takers like Seann Elliot, Mick Byrne, Conor Small, and Jinny also seem to pick up around two to three two-pointers per game, largely due to opposition teams fouling outside the new two-point arc.

That said, after the first round of McKenna Cup fixtures involving Armagh, Tyrone, Cavan, and Monaghan, teams appear to have adapted to this new scoring method. Many are now setting up a soccer-like defensive formation from the top of the new arc back to the 21-metre line, doing their best to eliminate the chance of conceding a two-pointer. They seem relatively content to concede a one-pointer instead, as it is more manageable.

I'm hoping that the current wind and wet underfoot conditions are influencing this cautious approach, and that teams will adapt again as we move into spring and summer. If not, I can see many sides opting for a damage-limitation style rather than actively going after opponents. A good example is Dunloy vs St John's in last year's championship. The Johnnies lost by 20-plus points, conceding 15 two-pointers. There's no way they'll approach a team with Dunloy's two-point kicking ability in the same manner again.

Aside from all that, let's hope for faster hands, plenty of kicking, and an abundance of quality scores in the year ahead. I'd love to see sides like PG1, TNN, LD, and St Galls throw the handbrake off, really go for it, and make it an exciting year for both spectators and players

If a team like TNN throw the handbrake off they'll end up relegated. Duno why youve mentioned them twice alongside seasoned / or up and coming young sides

[UpTheSaffs17]

I've seen them during their two games vs Cargin and Dunloy also against my own club in the league and thought if that's the potential that is in that group they are a good side. They also finished 4th i think two seasons ago so obviously something there. Could of also picked out Glenravel as a side i have a high regard for to if that sounds better.

Whitehill must have done a number on your club if there in your bad books.

Just an opinion at the end of the day

[Milltown Row2]

It's all about the squad and outside of Tir na Og's best 15 there isn't much game changers coming off the bench, and they have the dual side of it also. Plenty of fight though which I like..

That said Dunloy had that problem for a while but there is a crop of young lads no doubt spurred on with the win last season to work from

[imtommygunn]

On a separate but related note it's good to see a dunloy player in the antrim lineup. It is bound to have been some time since that was the case.

[UpTheSaffs17]

Think the last Dunloy man on antrim team was Kevin McQuillan? Long time ago.

Also is there any dates or talk about the club leagues?

[NorthAntrimSaff]

I've seen them during their two games vs Cargin and Dunloy also against my own club in the league and thought if that's the potential that is in that group they are a good side. They also finished 4th i think two seasons ago so obviously something there. Could of also picked out Glenravel as a side i have a high regard for to if that sounds better.

Whitehill must have done a number on your club if there in your bad books.

Just an opinion at the end of the day

Yes two decent moral victories vs two of the best teams in Antrim. They also lost to St Johns and had to go into the playoffs. League means nothing. Ballymena in a final and finished 0 points in a championship group

[Ghost+Tommy]

I've seen them during their two games vs Cargin and Dunloy also against my own club in the league and thought if that's the potential that is in that group they are a good side. They also finished 4th i think two seasons ago so obviously something there. Could of also picked out Glenravel as a side i have a high regard for to if that sounds better.

Whitehill must have done a number on your club if there in your bad books.

Just an opinion at the end of the day

Yes two decent moral victories vs two of the best teams in Antrim. They also lost to St Johns and had to go into the playoffs. League means nothing. Ballymena in a final and finished 0 points in a championship group

And Baker still filling the pockets 😃😃

[NorthAntrimSaff]

If people are silly enough to part with hard raised money....Baker is the smart one

[Gold]

No score yet 24 mins into the 2nd half. Hopefully we get 1

Derry operating at a different pace.

[SoloAndGo]

I've seen them during their two games vs Cargin and Dunloy also against my own club in the league and thought if that's the potential that is in that group they are a good side. They also finished 4th i think two seasons ago so obviously something there. Could of also picked out Glenravel as a side i have a high regard for to if that sounds better.

Whitehill must have done a number on your club if there in your bad books.

Just an opinion at the end of the day

Yes two decent moral victories vs two of the best teams in Antrim. They also lost to St Johns and had to go into the playoffs. League means nothing. Ballymena in a final and finished 0 points in a championship group

Am I missing something? They won 1 league game, no championship games and won 1 relegation playoff.

[BigGreenField]

Nobody standing out on the up or downside, couple of players had workmanlike games.

Score line but not result flattered Derry a bit, performance probably expected given the nature of the Antrim selection.

Ponderous enough.

[Christmas Lights]

Was it not a decent enough Antrim team out? Who missing?