Kerry: From Busted Flush to Winning Hand?

Kerry legend Darragh Ó Sé may have sounded the death knell on their All-Ireland chances this week, arguing that the defeat to Meath has an air of finality. And on current form, he might seem right.

But take a look under the hood, and the numbers tell a different story—one that suggests Kerry might still hold the best hand in the championship… if they play it right.

As any coach knows, three key areas shape performance:
Kickouts. Turnovers. Shots.

And while all three matter, let’s focus on shots for—because that’s where Kerry’s hidden potential lives.....

• Lowest shot volume: Kerry are averaging just 25 shots per game, dead last in the competition. That’s 12 fewer than Monaghan’s 37.

• Highest efficiency: But here’s the twist—Kerry are converting at 0.99 points per shot, the best in the country, compared to Cork, who are at .66 ( last place)

• Very dangerous when they go for goal: While they’re averaging only 3.33 goal shots per game, they’re finishing 50% of those chances. For comparison, Donegal are converting just 27%.

And there’s more good news.
If key forwards like Paudie Clifford, Seán O’Shea, and Paul Geaney return to full fitness, Kerry’s shot volume is only likely to increase—adding firepower to an already clinical attack.

So what does this tell us?
Kerry don’t need to panic—they just need more looks at the posts. If they can bump that shot count north of 32 ( which the should in Croke Park), they instantly become formidable again.

Keep an eye on that stat this weekend against Cavan, it could be a good indicator on how the next few weeks will go for them.