'Heavyweights clash on new-look road to Sam Maguire'

Kerry and Donegal have beaten each other in the two previous finals they have contested [Getty Images] If ever there was an ideal way to kick-start the new-look All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the GAA landed on their feet when the draw produced a repeat of last year's final with champions Kerry hosting Donegal on Saturday [15:00 BST]. Killarney's Fitzgerald Stadium is one of the GAA's most picturesque venues, with MacGillicuddy's Reeks sitting majestically in the background - and it is hoped the action on the field this weekend matches the surroundings. Last year, it was Kerry celebrating a 39th Sam Maguire Cup success, producing a sublime performance to deny Donegal just a third All-Ireland title with 10 points to spare on a day when Jack O'Connor's men were at their imperious best.

Gaelic football's new rules with two-pointers and added space in the attacking zone suited the Kingdom perfectly and Donegal simply had no answer to the Munster champions. The nature of the performance led many to suggest this was the beginning of a new dynasty in Kerry football and it may well prove to be the case, but Donegal returned the serve in this year's Division One league final, romping to a 13-point win at Croke Park. Will that have a bearing this weekend?

Not if you believe the respective camps after the league final. Donegal boss Jim McGuinness stressed the league campaign was about developing squad depth, while O'Connor felt his team was "a bit lethargic and tired" after a thrilling draw against Armagh the previous week. Defeat was "not the end of the world", O'Connor added.

Donegal were a step ahead in March's Division One league final [Getty Images] Both sides were much changed from their All-Ireland final meeting, with Donegal fielding 10 starters in both to Kerry's nine. For Donegal, Hugh McFadden and Jason McGee were promoted to the starting line-up in March after substitute appearances last year, and Finnbarr Roarty came on as a sub in the league final after being deemed unable to start due to illness. Oisin Gallen and Ciaran Moore came back in for the shock defeat by Down in the Ulster Championship, while Max Campbell and Shea Malone have emerged as new options with Patrick McBrearty one key figure missing this year with injury forcing him to call time on his career.