GAA PREVIEW: A lot hinges on Mayo's performance against Tyrone

IT occurs every season. Initial comments that National League results make little difference are soon cast aside. Once the games begin the competitive juices start to gush through the veins and as management take a more long-term view, many supporters and countless web warriors wamt immediate success.

That's the way it is every year. Those who follow the Mayo football team have little aptitude for tolerance, and sometimes it's hard to blame them. After two rounds of this year's campaign the jungle drums are beating ever louder. Management are looking to blood new players and are missing a number of their more established operators while another squadron have stepped away or taken a year out. Therefore, those with a more long-term vision are remaining calm.

However, losing football matches is one thing, but getting hammered by Galway in Castlebar in the last round and the manner of that defeat seems to have had a major impact. The gaping difference between the sides wasn't just confined to the scoreboard, it was much more holistic.
Galway were strong, focused and fearsome, while Mayo were scratching around for answers and not finding them. The home side struggled around the middle and made little or no headway up front while the loose defending was far from what's required.

Some of that can be put down to blooding new players and the ansence of others, but not it all. Add that to the lazy infractions of the three-on-three rule and the impatience among the supporters becomes more understandable.
However, that could change quickly if things improve this weekend when Tyrone come to Castlebar. The Ulster men have beaten Derry and lost to Armagh already and will look to add to Mayo's woes on Sunday.
It remains to be seen if star forward Ruairi Canavan and the full compliment of Errigal Ciaran clubmen will be available for the pivotal clash, but if Malachy O'Rourke has a full hand to pick from Mayo could be in bother.
The Tyrone forwards led Mayo a merry dance last year in Omagh and if they're unleashed on Sunday Mayo could be in bother.
Of course, Mayo have their own men returning to the fray. Whether they make an appearance this week remains to be seen, but McStay, Rochford, Buckley and their crew on the sideline will surely tog as many big hitters as possible.
Jordan Flynn, Jack Carney and Aidan O'Shea are among the possible additions to the squad which took on Galway. Diarmuid O'Connor was injured in that encounter while Jack Coyne, Paddy Durcan, Tommy Conroy are just some of the others on their way back to the pitch.
This is a big one for Mayo. They have to show a lot more than they did against Dublin or Galway. They must show an improved adaption to the new rules and they must bring a bit of adventure back to their play.
A lot hinges on the result, even more hinges on the performance.

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 3
MAYO V TYRONE
HASTINGS INSURANCE MACHALE PARK
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 AT 1.45PM