Galway's Rob Finnerty has been impressed with how well his side have coped without some of their biggest players so far this season and he believes that their improving depth marks them out as serious challengers for Sam Maguire once again.
The Tribesmen secured their fourth consecutive Connacht title on Sunday with a hard fought two-point victory over Mayo at MacHale Park.
Having come within touching distance of winning the All-Ireland title last season, only to be edged out in the final by Armagh, Galway are looking to go one better this term, but their early campaigning hasn't been helped by a long injury list.
Damien Comer, Shane Walsh and Johnny Heaney are among those who Galway boss Padraic Joyce has had to plan without so far this season, and while Comer and Walsh are believed to be close to a return, the Westerners have coped admirably without them so far.
"It is great to see that loads of others are stepping up. Shane and Damian are obviously, two unbelievable players like everyone knows that around the country," said Finnerty.
"They're going to be a massive loss to any team and getting them back is only going to make us stronger, but loads of other people have stepped up.
"We've had lads who only made the championship debuts this year who had serious performances and other lads are kind of taking roles as leaders as well which is great.
Finnerty is uncertain whether Comer and Walsh will be back for Galway's next game, at home to Dublin on 17 May.
"I'm actually not sure," when asked if the duo will be back in time to far the Dubs. "I'd say it mightn't be too far away but I'm not sure will they make that Dublin game."
One of the players to step up and fill the void left by Galway's injuries has been the Mattie Thompson, who has burst into the senior team this season, and looks to be eager to stake a claim for a regular spot in the side.
Thompson has committed himself to football, having spent several years playing soccer with Galway United, and having seen him come up through the ranks at the club they share - Salthill-Knocknacarra - Finnerty believes soccer's loss is football's gain.
"Mattie is a really smart footballer," he said. "He plays with his head up and he'll pick out a pass that other lads might not even see. He's been a great addition to us with Salthill over the last few years and also with Galway, it's great to see him get a run.
"I know Mattie since he was only a young lad obviously being involved in my club. He played soccer for a right few years. He only got back into playing football over the last three or four years.
"Everyone in the club knew how much talent he had and how much ability he had. It was only a matter of time before it started to show."
With their big guns nearing a return and players like Thompson breaking into the squad, Galway look set to improve as the championship continues and Finnerty believes their squad depth gives can give them edge.
"It's great for the group to have so many options," he said. "You're going to have maybe two or three top players coming off the bench as well. That's going to be great for the group and it'll help us go forward."
