Best all-round gaelic footballer

[Truthsayer]

My understanding of all-round would be most versatile

As good as Murphy is, I don't think I would have him as best all-rounder

We probably need a definition of all-rounder..

[tiempo]

Master of all trades jack of none i.e. could play any position with aplomb

Though we haven't see it I'd say Rian O'Neill, might take a bit of a head stagger at corner back but any other position I'd say he'd be All Star quality

[jb77]

Brendan Rodgers

[David McKeown]

From an Armagh perspective I think of Murnin or McCambridge who often pop up all over the pitch.  If I am being slightly pedantic Ethan Rafferty for the idea of all rounder. Can't think of many who have played goal keeper, midfield and in the half forward line (albeit only briefly) in the same game.

[Stall the Bailer]

From a Tyrone point of view, the two players that I think played in every line on the pitch and done well in all positions are Peter Harte and Mattie Donnelly.
If you are talking about the most complete, then they need to be able to tackle.
Some of the other great players mentioned in this discussion are great at winning the ball and on it, but poor at tackling.

[Captain Scarlet]

You won't have Muyrphy at corner back or even wing back BUT he has the ability to collect under pressure inside and be a target man and on the flip be a big unit on the edge of the sqaure too. He can fetch a ball in the middle third. Spray passes in too.

Kilkenny against Galway really showed everything he can do. Dictate from deep, control things, break tackles and shoot. And he was a 14 for a spell too.

I think that is something that is key. Huge difference playing with play in front or you compared to back to goal and having to come and collect it.

I'd argue the all-rounder doesn't need to rely on others as much and can take a game on himself.

[oakleaflad]

Is versatility the main attribute we are looking for here? If so surly some of the names listed can be ruled out. 

Mc Guigan for example is an out and out forward, and one of the best operating at the moment.  But I wouldn't necessarily be throwing him into midfield to win kickouts or disrupt play, get tackles etc. 

Kilkenny and Glass for me are the standouts.  Seem to be involved in everything including scoring and defensive duties.  You could throw them into anywhere in the middle 8 and they would thrive. 

Funnily enough I think these are strong suits of McGuigan's and feel he's less of an out and out forward than say a Clifford or Canavan.

Still have Glass or Rogers ahead as all rounders though.

[Ethan Tremblay]

Is versatility the main attribute we are looking for here? If so surly some of the names listed can be ruled out. 

Mc Guigan for example is an out and out forward, and one of the best operating at the moment.  But I wouldn't necessarily be throwing him into midfield to win kickouts or disrupt play, get tackles etc. 

Kilkenny and Glass for me are the standouts.  Seem to be involved in everything including scoring and defensive duties.  You could throw them into anywhere in the middle 8 and they would thrive. 

Funnily enough I think these are strong suits of McGuigan's and feel he's less of an out and out forward than say a Clifford or Canavan.

Still have Glass or Rogers ahead as all rounders though.

Fair enough, you would watch him in action a lot more than I would.  My memories of him are the ulster final where he couldn't seem to miss, much to Armagh's detriment. 

Peter Harte is another good shout.  Did he ever operate around corner back when he broke onto the Tyrone team?

[J70]

These threads are always fun because everyone has a slightly different understanding of the purpose.

Michael Murphy is not the best player in the country, he's probably not the best all-round footballer, but as I look back on his career, I don't there are too many lads who:
- take 45's (mostly goalies these days)
- primary free taker
- option for a high ball into the square
- 2-point threat this year
- regular kick-out target
- attacking playmaker out around the 45

His versatility is impressive, not least because all of things remain true this year at 35yo.

Yes, I'd have Murphy miles ahead of anyone else from Donegal if looking for an all-round player.

In addition to what you listed, there is his football intelligence, vision and passing ability.

Without getting too far into hyperbole, he reminds me of Pele in that he is so good at so many different aspects of the game.

His tackling needs a wee bit of work mind you.🙂

[From the Bunker]

Michael Murphy (in his prime) - He ticks so many boxes!

[David McKeown]

Michael Murphy (in his prime) - He ticks so many boxes!

For me the best player of the last 20 years.

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Conor McCluskey probaly deserves a mention for all the goals he contributes to.

Sean Kelly from Galway another all rounder.

[Champion The Wonder Horse]

Would complete be a better descriptor than all-rounder? All-round giving off Daley Thompson vibes.

[Captain Scarlet]

I'd argue the case on a lot of defenders eg Sean Kelly. Can you imagine him in the full forward line being bottled up and being pushed out from goal and still be expected to get a yard and score?

Like Shane Walsh from a skill set is hard to match. Fully both feet and drifts out too. Conroy is a decent all-rounder as he has decent footwork in tight spaces. Can move well for a big man as well.

And being from Kildare I'd always put a mention in for Johnny Doyle who was a whippet who shone at midfield, half forward and the inside line. In the modern game him coming from the half backs and swinging over would be solid. And again had vision and an engine.

[tiempo]

Agree, Jonny Doyle-Rian O'Neill types I'd favour, put them anywhere they'd take control and start influencing the game