MATTIE Donnelly played in the full-forward line as Tyrone got some yards into their legs and familiarised themselves with the new rules in a pre-season friendly against Meath last weekend.
Vastly experienced Donnelly had been used regularly as a sweeper/playmaker by previous managements but the Trillick clubman is a versatile operator who won Allstars at right half-forward (2015) and in midfield (2016).
Now 34, he could be given a role as a targetman full-forward in the new ‘3-v-3′ system which stipulates that teams must play with at least three players in their opponents’ half at all times.
Meanwhile, Killyclogher forward Mark Bradley, who was brought back into the Red Hand fold last year by new manager Malachy O’Rourke, missed the challenge match against the Royals. The Killyclogher forward is understood to be working his way back to fitness after sustaining a calf injury but it is expected that he will be fit for the start of the National League.
Bradley was in sparkling form for his club during the Tyrone senior championship and he was recalled to the Tyrone panel after a three-season break.
Also back in the county set-up are Trillick defender Rory Brennan and Dromore full-back Peter Teague and both are likely candidates to fill the sizeable gap left by the absence of Padraig Hampsey who, it is understood, will miss the opening rounds of Division One.
Hampsey, who skippered Tyrone to the Sam Maguire in 2021, injured his shoulder playing for his club Coalisland and, although he lined out in the Tyrone championship, the issue persisted and has required surgery.
Tyrone begin their season with back-to-back Ulster derbies. They begin by welcoming reigning National League champions Derry to Healy Park on Sunday, January 26 and then make the trip to the Athletic Grounds where they’ll cross swords with All-Ireland champions Armagh.
