R&B I would play Coleman ( he is back full contact training for 2-3 weeks) midfield with Tommy . Heres why. Both are very good and adaptable tactically where you could drop one back to sweep especially with the way Waterford set up and then have Barrett come out to the middle or even occupy the sweeper if we are brave enough. Both are not bad in rucks and can distribute the ball well. If we play Mark half back I just worry about the likes of Malone or Fitzgerald from Clare or the likes of Hegarty Morrisey with Limerick targeting Mark . He is simply too good a hurler not to start for us and I reckon he could thrive in midfield. Midfield is so different now it’s barely a scoring position anymore ( bar a few players) . Will O Donoghue even O Donovan are almost programmed to pass before shooting but Mark and Tommy can score. TOM has the size but his swing is too big imo for midfield and he can’t operate in tight space and is a forward imo. I think both Downeys will start at 7 and 4 with Damo 3 and SOD 2 . I am and just my opinion not sold on Millerick as a half back and I don’t understand why O Leary has not been tried at 5 yet but I think Millerick will get the call. This will sound harsh but I would have Twomey Darragh and Dalton in the half forward line with Hayes Connolly and Barrett inside. Yeah that’s no Hoggy Harnedy or Lehane starting but it’s all about finishing a game now and then we have Robbie also. That’s good weapons to be bringing on imo.
fin, I agree on Mark and Tommy being a good midfield partnership . Even having one of them midfield also gives us the option of them dropping back as the spare man so Joycey isn’t wasted in that role.
I’m not sure Mark will start midfield against waterford but from what I’m hearing he could well start but not necessarily wing back. Like you I’d be very concerned about him marking the likes of David Fitz or Gearoid Hegarty down the tracks
I don’t agree on Tim not being a good midfield option though as he has the physical attributes to dominate the middle but I do agree his striking needs to be tidied up to play there, it’s nothing a bit of good coaching wouldn’t fix. However, like you, to me his best position is half foward. But because of his flexibility to play in different positions I think the selectors are now viewing him as a vital impact sub
As championship draws closer the more im inclined to think Conor Lehane will start center foward. I’d be concerned about Conor’s ability to mix it with the waterford lads but there’s no doubting his hurling smarts to play that role
The full foward line will be very interesting, Connolly will start as one of the two inside fowards but who plays with him? You’ve gone Brian Hayes and I can see why but experience is going to be crucial in what will be a cauldron so I would just about plump for Hoggie ahead of him. Brian could be very important coming on though
Hopefully Robbie, if ready, will get some game time too. Down the line himself and Connolly inside could be a lethal combination
