Mick O'Dwyer expects Kerry to be leading Sam Maguire Cup contenders once again this year, despite losing a number of last season's All-Ireland winning side.

Darragh O Se's decision to retire means Jack O'Connor will be without four of the team that beat Cork in last September's final. Goalkeeper Diarmuid Murphy has also retired, while Tadhg Kennelly and Tommy Walsh have moved to Australia.

However, Waterville maestro O'Dwyer feels manager Jack O'Connor has enough talent at his disposal to absorb those losses.

"Looking into the panel of players he has he still has the backbone of a very, very good side. In Kerry, they'll find a few fellas as they year goes on and they'll be competitive again this year and they'll be well in contention," O'Dwyer said.

"It'll be very hard to replace Darragh because he was a real leader on that team, there's no doubt whatsoever about that." Tweet

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