Efficiency off turnovers

Of all the numbers to emerge from the All-Ireland Final, one stood out like a sore thumb — efficiency off turnovers.

In the All-Ireland series games leading up to the final, Donegal were averaging 8.4 points per 10 opposition turnovers, with Kerry just behind on 8.2. Donegal, in other words, were slightly more clinical when punishing mistakes.

But in the final, that trend fell apart — and it’s probably the one stat that will stick in Jim McGuinness’s throat for a long time.

While Kerry actually improved, hitting 8.5 points per 10 turnovers. Donegal’s rate plummeted to just 3 points.

And when you dig a little deeper, the contrast becomes even starker:
9 of Kerry’s 11 points from turnovers came from the middle third —. Donegal, by comparison, scored 0 points from turnovers in that zone.

In a game still in the balance at 58 minutes, that inefficiency proved decisive. Had Donegal maintained ( or Kerry allowed it, which they didn't) their turnover conversion rates  we could be looking at different  All-Ireland champions.

For coaches preparing for club championships over the coming weeks, and it's something I had touched on 3 or 4 years ago.
It might not just be about winning turnovers — but also where you win them.