Kerry attacking ace David Clifford has said they will always prepare diligently for Munster championship opposition despite the huge chasm that exists between the Kingdom and the majority of counties in the province.
Since Clifford made his senior debut in 2018, Kerry have triumphed in 10 of their 11 Munster games – the 2020 semi-final loss to Cork proving the exception – with their winning margin sitting at a massive 15.3 points.
Their 0-25 to 0-05 win over Tipperary on Saturday was the fourth time they had a winning margin of 20 points or more in that period.
Despite that, the 2022 Football of the Year said that they would fully respect any opposition they are drawn against.
"I suppose there'll always be a big build-up to the games, a lot of anticipation for the championship," he told RTÉ Sport. "You always put a lot of analysis in and respect the opposition.
"And look I suppose when you go out and play well in a game, you always look back on it positively."
One of the occasions when they have been pushed hard recently was against Clare in the 2019 provincial semi-final before Peter Keane's side emerged with a six-point win in Ennis - a venue the Kerry man said he'd have no problem with returning to for this year's decider.
They will meet the Banner on 7 May and Clifford is expecting another tough encounter, especially against a team that has troubled more established names in recent times including a one-point loss to Dublin in Division 2 this season.
"We're well aware of the fact that going to play Clare now is going to be a different test and a lot more difficult test. Just even from some of the marquee forwards that they have so we're well aware it's going to be a difficult task.
"That Dublin game, and even looking back to last year they beat Roscommon here [Croke Park] as well, so we're well aware of what they're capable of. We'll be looking forward to it and really trying to get our analysis right and really prepare for it and hope to get a performance on the day."
Kerry's win over Tipperary guarantees them a spot in one of the top two pots for the forthcoming All-Ireland round-robin series.
Clifford has experienced three different formats in his short senior career – straight knock-out, qualifiers and the Super 8s – and he thinks the fourth has the potential to ignite the summer months.
"I like the sound of it. I would say that our approach to it doesn't change much to, say, the old Super 8s approach where you're going out to try to win Munster and then you're going to have three good games, similar to the Super 8s; one at home, one away and one at a neutral venue.
"So I suppose whatever teams do end up reaching a quarter-final, you're going to be well road tested and you're going to be in a very strong position. Yeah, I think overall I'm really looking forward to it and it seems very positive."
It means a minimum of eight games to retaining Sam for Jack O’Connor’s side, a fairly hectic schedule for a player who starred last season as Kerry won league, Munster and All-Ireland titles while Fossa claimed the All-Ireland Junior title in January.
It was a lot of success, but it meant a lot of football for the four-time All-Star. Is he feeling any fatigue from those long county and club campaigns?
"Not really, I was lucky with the club season. The different management teams were all very accommodating of us having to skip sessions here and there and stuff like that.
"A lot of the times we were just playing the games at the weekend and not doing much training in between.
"I suppose I had a nice break from matches once the league ended. It was nice to be able to go and focus on training and focus on yourself. No, really fresh now and really looking forward to the season ahead."
Wherever that season takes him, Clifford can expect to be mobbed everywhere he goes at full-time – except at Croke Park.
The 24-year-old is the biggest superstar in Gaelic football right now and with that comes added responsibility.
It’s something he loves to embrace, although the St Brendan’s, Killarney PE teacher admits that sometimes it can be daunting at times too.
"It’s great and people be telling you about the different places they’ve come from, the times they might have met you before or got your gloves at a game before. It always brings a smile to your face.
"Generally I try not to miss a recap on the game in the dressing room, I'd never like to miss that. You’re trying to spend as much time without maybe missing that bit of a session."
"It’s probably difficult at times. You can’t say yes to everyone and do everything for people because you’d just get worn out. It’s just trying to be as nice to the kids as you can in the short period of time because you’re well aware of the fact that you’re going to have to say no to some of them at different stages.
"Generally I try not to miss a recap on the game in the dressing room, I’d never like to miss that. You’re trying to spend as much time without maybe missing that bit of a session."
"It can do [weigh on you] and there are days were you might be better off just going into the dressing room because you mightn’t be able to show your best side to the kids.
"It can be difficult of course, but meeting the kids is always very positive. You’re well aware that you were that kid at one stage. Being a good role model to them is important."
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