We've had five weekends of action to assess the merits or otherwise of the new playing rules in Gaelic football. Plenty of time to form an opinion and a view on the two-pointer, in that it might become the "prime currency" in the game, was offered up by Ciarán Whelan, when speaking on the latest edition of the RTÉ GAA Podcast.
Whelan fears we may see less goals in a world where teams are reaping another dividend by splitting the posts from beyond the 40-metre arc, even though the scope is there within the new footballing landscape for teams to go and raise more green flags.
"Holding the three up creates more space and creates more goal opportunities," he said.
"If you didn't have two pointers, would it encourage teams to push out a little bit and go man on man? You could put that press on if you were in that 11 v 11 situation and it would create more goal chances."
Based on his observations across the divisions so far, the former Dublin star is seeing teams getting more of a return from two-pointers, adding that a greater return will be sought going forward, much to his disappointment it would seem.
"We have always put a premium on goals; we all love to see goals and that's what gets the energy going," he added.
"The two-pointers, I'm still a little bit on the fence about it, but you can see the importance of it creeping into the games as the weeks go on and teams get better, getting more strategic in their approach.
"I know it has been brilliant for some teams, some in Division 2 have really thrived on it; the likes of Shane Walsh has thrived on it. All teams will have certain two-point shooters but the fact that you can get two-pointers and get six or seven in a game, that value will become your prime currency really.
"That might take way from goal opportunities, where teams will feel that is an easier opportunity. I think there is a trend developing.
"I don't think they'll abandon the two-pointer but I think teams, over time, will focus on that being a huge part of their game.
"It still is a great skill, players have embraced it but we don't want our game to become primary about two-pointers. A lot of counties will have guys capable of that two-point shot when the weather gets better. But will we lose that desire for goals?"
Indeed, there is enough in the new rules for Whelan to believe that we could do without the prize of an additional point when accurate from beyond that often heavily-manned arc.
"We have brought contests back to the kick-outs and we have really speeded up the game. Forwards are believing they can take on their man in the 11 v 11 or 12 v 11. If they are fouled they can solo and go, if not they can cut in and go. Forwards can go at players again. You just have to question would the three up, contested kickouts, solo and go and the disciplines (measures) be enough?
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