Seven Key Points: What we took away from Donegal's historic win over Kerry

6. Shaun Patton and the importance of his kickouts

It's a feeling that brings the old GAA nut back to the glory days of Gaelic football - the long kickout to the towering players around the middle of the park. May the better man win.

It looked clear that when Kerry were getting on top in the early stages of the match, a change was needed, some form of variation on the kickout. But that's the thing with the new rules, the high press from the Kerry forwards saw the St Eunan's man continue his effort at firing long.

In fact, of all of Patton's kickouts, he only went short twice, while his opposition goalkeeper Shane Ryan kicked long every time.

Patton's ability to find players in pockets of space and grant them primary possession was a key area that saw Donegal nail their points in the last 10 minutes. 

Whether he will be a man that will join in the attacking play, that will only become evident when McGuinness's side is under the cosh and chasing a game.