2014 Footballer of The Year - Place yer bets now folks !

ProudDUB

So once tomorrows two quarter finals are over, we should have a clearer picture of who the contenders are. However, even if some lads step up tomorrow and have big games, I still think that the winner will come from the AI champs & will have had big games in the AI semi final and final. This time last year, Aidan O'Shea was probably the front runner to get it, after his monster of a performance against Donegal in the quarterfinal. But two sub par performances later and he had dropped out of the running completely.


So, down to business, your contenders so far:

Dublin first. (Naturally. )

Cluxton - Think he would have gotten it last year, but the goals he let in during the Kerry game went against him. Would love to see him get it this year.
Berno - only played one full game so far in this years champo, but scored 1-5. Could get it, but only if he does what he did in last years semi & final.
Kev Mc - Definite possibility. Don't think that he'll get it unless he starts all of our games from here on out. Am not 100% sure that Gavin will do that, despite his impressive Leinster final. Am also not sure if the way he plays is suited to how Monaghan and/or Donegal are set up to play.
Flynn, Connolly & MDMA - Have not had consistently good games so far to be in the running, but sure you never know.

Mayo.

Aidan O'Shea - Showed great leadership and presence last Sunday. But once again, he will have to step up in the semi or final to win it. Last year proved that a good qf performance won't be enough.
CO'C - Think lack of goals and pts from play may prevent him from getting it, unless Mayo win the whole shebag & no one else in the Mayo camp steps up. (Am just posting what I think the voting journos will do btw, Mayo peeps. No need to jump down my throat about the whole 'not scoring from play' thing.)

Kerry.

JO'D is the deffo front runner. Can't think of anyone else from Kerry out gunning him really.

Donegal

Michael Murphy? But he plays so deep now, can he score enough to get the nod from voters? I confess, I haven't seen them play all that much this year.

Monaghan & Armagh

Sorry lads. Methinks your season ends tomorrow, so you won't have any contenders. Ye will for All Stars, but not FOTY. Apologies again.


On another note, I'd love to see the voting changed so that it isn't just about how well you play in the last two games of the year. That eliminates about 90% of players from consideration, especially those from less successful counties.

How about having a round of voting after the club champo ends, another after the league, another after the provincial championships & the last after the All Ireland series. They could apply that to the All Stars as well. It would mean that more great players from all over the country get recognized, instead of always the same players from the same big counties.

LilNiall

Hard to call and if as is likely a Dublin player it'll be based on next 3 games rather than anything to date.

For young player I think Ordhan MacNiallias has great chance. Some very impressive scores so far.

Dirty Dingus McGee

Gavin Duffy.

He really stood out this year.

king size mars bar

Any one of the Carlow football team, class!

Always_Running

From a Mayo point of view some of the best footballers on team are in defence Keith Higgins,Colm Boyle,Lee Keegan. Seamus O'Shea doesn't seem to capture the attention even though he's been as good as his younger brother in games. Kevin Mcloughlin another that seems to get overlooked when nominating a footballer of the year.

I think Paul Flynn should win the overall poty award the heartbeat and unsung hero of the Dublin side.

seligehgit

If the Dubs reclaim Sam I think Paul Flynn will win it,if we get over the line Aidan O Shea will win it and do something he has'nt managed to do in the last 2 years...carry his form from the pre semi/semi games into the AI final.

mongie2k

Dessie Mone

keane2097

JOD is the standout candidate so far by a mile.