Waterford manager Derek McGrath believes that trusting players and encouraging team bonding away from the pitch remains hugely important in the development of a team.
The Déise will take on Tipperary this weekend in the Munster SHC final after their comprehensive win over Clare last time out, though the bookies have the holders odds-on to claim a 42nd provincial title.
It will be the fifth meeting of the sides in the Munster decider in seven years, with the Premier unbeaten in that sequence of results.
The 21-point drubbing in 2011 still lingers in the memory from a Waterford perspective, but McGrath’s side are developing into a team seriously capable of ultimate honours.
Last year, Kilkenny put paid to Waterford's All-Ireland ambitions at the penultimate stage after claiming an Allianz League title from 1B. This year they were edged out by the Banner in the League final replay, but exacted revenge four weeks later in the Championship.
The youthful side are brimming with confidence after impressing last time out, and McGrath says it is vital that the squad get to know each other away from the field of play to engender a better team ethic.
Following their league final defeat, McGrath gave the players a few days to unwind before getting back to training.
"We had a few pints on the Sunday - and on the Monday, which is probably unheard of in this day and age - and then they went back to the clubs. I went for a couple with them the second night," he said.
"And it wasn't a case of the old school teacher keeping an eye on them. I know what they put into it, and I know if the release valve isn't tearing into a big session, if it's a little slower than that, it may be better.
"Letting them have two days once they behave is fine, and they do behave.
"I remember Gary Neville saying that sometimes in that socialising, different friendships can form, fellas can relax. That's not to promote a drink culture, which we don't do.”
Joe Brolly has been a strong critic of the demands of the modern game, believing that players are not able to truly enjoy themselves due to the almost professional regimes instilled around the country, but McGrath insists that he trusts his players to live their lives without overbearing restrictions placed upon them.
"We don't have a big drink ban. We let them drive that but they're so keen to do well that it's not a problem.
“I'd probably be a bit looser on them now but it's always easier to be loose when they've won a game."
