RYAN FERRY looks at the big individual battles ahead of Saturday’s match
Tadhg Morley v Michael Murphy
Jason Foley picked up Murphy in the All-Ireland Final last year but it was Tadhg Morley in the Division 1 decider this term.
That was a tough day for Kerry but Morley – who couldn’t get into the Kerry side last year – has kept hold of his place.
He is a physical presence who is happy to play out the field and that could suit if Murphy drifts.
The Glenswilly man is sure to receive a hostile reception following his clash with Dylan Casey in Croke Park.
Murphy has seen it all before and he will be up for the battle.
If Donegal can get the right ball to the Glenswilly man, he could do damage.
Mark O’Shea v Jason McGee
Kerry had a bad day in midfield against Donegal in the League Final and they will be keen to put things right.
O’Shea did compete reasonably well that day but had very little support for the breaking ball.
The Dr Crokes player has impressed since breaking into the team and he is a good fetcher.
McGee has had a good year on the injury front and will be hoping to feature on Saturday.
He’s been excellent this season and will relish a kick-out battle on Saturday.
The Falcarragh man is also a fine footballer and he will feel he can do damage on the scoreboard if Donegal win enough ball in the middle sector.
Jason Foley v Conor O’Donnell
Foley is the current All-Star full-back and he’s one of the tightest markers in the game.
Cork’s Steven Sherlock was in great form heading into the Munster Final but very little went right for him against Foley.
It was a surprise that Foley didn’t pick up Murphy in the League Final as Kerry elected to utilise his pace on Conor O’Donnell.
The Carndonagh man got through for a great goal that day.
O’Donnell has raw pace and that isn’t easy to curtail. Evan Looney played well against Cork but Foley looks a better bet.
O’Donnell had a super game in Fitzgerald Stadium in the league last season and will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.