When Jim McGuinness took over the reins of the Donegal senior team, he spoke of a five-year plan for the county.
Instituting his now famous “System”, year one saw the Tir Conall men claim their seventh Ulster title.
They repeated that Ulster title this season and year two of the plan culminated in a first All Ireland title in 20 years.
If two years of the plan led to so much glory, it begs the question about what is to come in the next three years.
Year One saw Donegal use an ultra-defensive system which was derided by numerous pundits. Allied to breathless counter-attacking, Year Two brought an emphasis on the collective which did away with traditional football formations and led to the annihilation of Kerry, Cork and Mayo on the way to Sam Maguire.

Innovative tactics

Tactically, year three could see McGuinness build on the strength of Donegal’s collective spirit which already sees the backs lending a hand in attack and forwards applying defensive pressure from the front.
Perhaps the Donegal boss will implement increased proactivity and possession football.
Only McGuinness knows what is to come. But what will be fascinating is how other counties respond to The System because one thing is for sure – no one will want to be left trailing Donegal tactically for the foreseeable future.
Donegal’s success will surely lead to innovative tactics across the board. Some bainisteoirs may choose to examine Donegal’s style of play and include certain elements in their own tactics.
Others may study Jim McGuinness’ methods to try and find an antidote to The System.
As in every sport new styles of play are eventually countered in any sport and 2013 could be a watershed year for inter-county football as the tactical battles hot up.

Image by ©INPHO/Kieran Murray