One of the biggest rule changes in the GAA in recent years has been the introduction of the attacking mark in Gaelic football.
Intended to bring about more scoring opportunities, it has proven divisive, with high-profile figures calling for its removal from the rule book ever since its introduction on a trial basis in 2019.
Roscommon manager Davy Burke went somewhat against the grain last summer, calling for changes to the rule as opposed to its outright removal. Burke said that he was in favour of keeping the mark in midfield areas, but would draw the line at maintaining it in offensive situations.
Intriguingly, Galway forward Damien Comer has given his two cents - and has almost the exact opposite view.
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GAA: Damien Comer would like to see end to attacking mark
Damien Comer spoke to Balls.ie and the Irish media on Tuesday at the launch of the 2024 Allianz GAA National Football League. The 2022 GAA All-Star was asked for his opinion on the attacking mark, and made his feelings clear.
Launch of the 2024 Allianz Football & Hurling Leagues, Glendalough, Wicklow 23/1/2024. Pictured is Galway footballer, Damien Comer at the launch of the 2024 Allianz Football League. The Allianz Football League provides an opportunity for all players to claim their spot in the county panel for the season ahead. The return of inter-county action, after a five-month break, also affords the teams competing a chance to showcase their strengths and lay down a marker to their county rivals. Photo: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Comer said that he had no interest in keeping the mark in the rulebook - but said that, if it were to be kept, he would make one crucial difference to its application:
I personally wouldn't be a fan of it. I think the old-school way of winning the ball and taking on your man is a better way. I think it's too soft a score to be able to get...so, yeah, I wouldn't be a fan of it.
But, the fact that it is there, I think it could probably be utilised a bit better. Even ourselves, where you can get...there's easier ways to free up the ball.
But, overall, I don't think it's a great strategy to have. I don't think it should be still in the game.
The art of defending is a key skill of the game as well, and the art of taking on a man one-on-one if you get the chance. By just getting a little punt pass into your chest when you're winning it two or three yards ahead of your man for a free shot at goal is probably a little bit unfair.
Fair enough, if you kick it in around the penalty box and you go up and catch it above your head, there's an argument - I wouldn't be completely against that, where you're actually outfielding someone. It's a different kind of thing encouraging a kick pass. When it's just a punt pass that travels 20 yards and you can take a free shot at goal, I think it nullifies the whole objective of it.
I don't think it's needed at all. But that's an alteration I'd probably make to it.
As it stands, the rules surrounding the mark in Gaelic football allow players to claim a free-in if they field the ball cleanly from a pass of 20 metres of more from outside the 45 to inside the 45 - without the ball touching the ground.
Though some invention has been found in players creating scores from these scenarios, it has more often than not stunted the flow of play, often to reward unremarkable passes or catches with easy scores.
Damien Comer's suggestion would give the mark the opposite influence on the game - rewarding players pulling off an exceptionally difficult skill under pressure from defenders.
The debate over the mark's place in Gaelic football will no doubt continue vociferously as the 2024 league and championship progress.
Galway get their league campaign underway against Mayo in Salthill on Saturday. TG4 carry live coverage of the game, with throw-in at 1:45pm.
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