Dr Crokes captain Johnny Buckley believes that they are rejuvenated this year following a few lean years.
The last two campaigns have been disappointing for Crokes, but Buckley feels that having reached three All-Ireland club semi-finals had taken their toll.
The Kerry midfielder has been hampered by injury this year, but he is back to lead the side out against Kenmare District in Sunday's County SFC final.
"Losing those games (All-Ireland club SFC semis) is bound to catch up with you sometimes especially with the effort that was put in by everyone during those years," Buckley told the Kerryman.
"In fairness to Martin (Byrnes) and Finian (Moran) and the rest of the previous management teams they did the best they could to try and pick us up again but it was always a difficult ask with the effects of losing those semi-finals.
"The one thing about this year is there is freshness by everyone, both the players and the management and it has brought us back into contention."
Keep up to date with all of Sunday's 20 senior football and hurling county finals and Ulster club SFC action on our Live Match Tracker.
Tweet