One of the key secrets behind David Clifford magic revealed by Kerry selector

Clifford is favourite to be named Footballer of the Year for a third time

Talk of David Clifford being the greatest Gaelic footballer of all time ramped up after his stunning performance in Kerry’s All-Ireland SFC final victory over Donegal last weekend.

Clifford’s record in big games has been outstanding, and his 8-48 made him the top All-Ireland SFC scorer from play by a country mile in 2025.

But what is behind Clifford’s magic? Kerry selector Aodán Mac Gearailt said the activation work with physio Paudie McQuinn is what sets him apart from the rest.

“He has his routine. I think one of the physios, Paudie McQuinn, gave him a routine. It involves his hip flexors, his activation, the groins, hamstring activation.

"That routine takes maybe 20 minutes before we ever start to warm him up. And he goes through every bit of it meticulously. It’s not just by chance that he can lift his leg that high. It’s hard work.”

He's already a great, but could Clifford get even better?

Mac Gearailt is also convinced there is more to come in Clifford, with areas to improve.

“I've said it to David, I think he's gone to another level this year,” he added. “So where he can finish up in terms of his performance, it's sky's the limit stuff with David. He's finding new elements to his game all the time.

“Some of the best turnovers we had this year, David was involved in them. And that's stuff that doesn't always get seen. He's an excellent fielder. I think in the Armagh game in the first half, he caught a kick-out, soloed left, kicked the point off his right. I mean, this guy, he does things that you'd just be taken aback.

“I actually think all of them can get better. You know, even looking back on this year, and I said it to the group, I felt they were only starting to realise their potential towards the end of this year. I think there was a lot more in some players than they actually showed.”

Could Clifford have moved to Australia?

Mac Gearailt also insisted Clifford was never swayed by the potential to go the same way as Mark O’Connor and Cillian Burke by joining the Australian AFL Rules.

“The Aussies have taken enough from Kerry football, now! David's extremely loyal and humble. His priority is Kerry football.

“None of us have anything against any lads from Kerry that go to Australia. That's a personal choice. It's a huge opportunity and we all recognise that. But David's priority always was Kerry football. Like, his family are just rooted in football. I was in college with his uncle, Fergus. They'd be morning, noon and night thinking about and talking about football.”