Last man standing

Kilkenny full-backs

IN 93 championship matches as Kilkenny manager between 1999 and 2018, Brian Cody has only started eight full-backs:

Canice Brennan (1999)

Cody’s first full-back played all four games in 1999.

Sean Meally (2000)

Started at full-back for the first game in 2000 when Noel Hickey was listed at left corner-back.

Noel Hickey (2000-12)

One of the most trusted lieutenants of the Cody era, playing 39 championship games at full-back. His absence was sorely felt in 2005.

John Tennyson (2005)

Stand in full-back for two games in 2005. Better suited to centre-back.

JJ Delaney (2006-14)

The consummate defender first played full-back in 2006 and played 29 games there over the next nine seasons

Joey Holden (2015-16)

Ballyhale man lifted the Liam MacCarthy in 2015 as the transition from Delaney seemed to be going seamlessly. Reached All-Ireland final again in 2016 but endured a difficult day as Tipperary ran riot, scoring 2-29.

Kieran Joyce (2017)

Had predominantly been used in half-back line until the Leinster SHC semi-final against Wexford of 2017, which Davy Fitzgerald’s team won by three points.

Padraig Walsh (2017-present)

It’s believed that Tommy’s younger brother’s best position will eventually be in the half-back line, however, he was named at No 3 for the qualifier against Limerick in which he was exceptional. Has been named at No 3 in the seven Championship games that Kilkenny have played since.