Whatever about Galway's struggles to get the very best out of Joe Canning in the past, there was no doubting that he was magnificent against Dublin on Sunday.
Canning scored 0-9, four coming from open play, as well as assisting the Tribesmen's second goal, and he probably should have provided more were it not for some wayward finishing from his teammates. Dublin couldn't cope with him.
On The Sunday Game, Canning's performance was the subject of analysis from Eddie Brennan and Ger Loughnane, who focused on the 'free role' given to the Portumna man.
Eddie Brennan and Ger Loughnane on how Galway are using Joe Canning differently and the team's togetherness pic.twitter.com/OgmmRwvFzW
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 28, 2017
He's playing in that loose role, but, there's a danger to this.
Managers are going to say 'we're going to put a man-marker on him', forget about the ball, just close down Joe. An Oisin O'Brien in Clare, somebody like that, that's going to be on him the whole time, that's going to be walking on him, annoying him, and then what will the rest of the Galway players do?
Will they take on the responsibility?
Brennan stressed the importance in the Galway players actively seeking Canning out now whenever they can.
There was no MOTM interview from Canning, as he was mobbed by supporters on the final whistle which provided one of the images of the season.
Did a very unscientific count of 40 heads seeking autographs and selfies from Joe Canning after today's match. pic.twitter.com/2Nh0DkeTvK
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 28, 2017
You can check out more of Canning's highlights vs Dublin below.
