1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
The experienced Monaghan stopper made superb saves to deny Pauls Geaney and Murphy in Inniskeen, and produced a magnificent kicking display, giving his side a platform from almost every restart.
2. Conor Morrison (Donegal)
Kept Darren McCurry to a single score and produced a tenacious and composed performance that will give Declan Bonner food for thought as he looks for options at full-back.
3. Drew Wylie (Monaghan)
Making his first appearance of the year, the Ballybay man started off at centre-back before moving on to Paul Geaney and keeping him scoreless in a man of the match display.
4. Niall Murray (Cavan)
Tenacious man-marker helped to snuff out the threat of Meath’s Bryan McMahon, who was replaced at half-time, as the Breffnimen continued their impressive start.
5. Declan McCusker (Fermanagh)
The Ederney man continued a fine start to the season with an excellent performance in Sligo, driving forward to get three points from play, and was unlucky not to get a goal early on.
6. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone)
The Pomeroy man bombed up and down from wing-back, heavily involved in the Red Hands’ attacking play and notching a fine score for himself in the first half against Donegal.
7. Ciaran Brady (Cavan)
Worked hard defensively to stop Meath runners and was superb on the ball himself, getting forward to score his side’s second goal having also had a hand in the first.
8. Odhran Mac Niallais (Donegal)
Took some superb fetches to show the side of his game that is often sheltered. His kick-passing was a joy to watch and kicked one monstrous score himself.
9. Emmett Bradley (Derry)
The Glen man took control of the skies in a sodden Celtic Park and his early goal helped Derry build the platform for victory. Ended up with 1-5 in total.
10. Enda Lynn (Derry)
Has been the one consistently bright light in Derry’s difficult start to the year, and the Greenlough forward again ran the show as he covered every inch against Offaly.
11. Conor McCarthy (UCD)
Continued his county’s proud record in Sigerson football by collecting his second medal, and did so by hitting 1-6 in a man-of-the-match performance against NUI Galway.
12. Paudie McKenna (Monaghan)
Operated as the Farney sweeper but was far from shy to get forward, as he showed in landing the game’s first point. Very busy and heavily involved throughout.
13. Conall Jones (Fermanagh)
His early season performances have been such that he has effectively sewn up a position inside and is leaving others scrapping over the rest. Hit two points in an edgy win over Sligo.
14. Niall Clerkin (Cavan)
Three points from play in an excellent display by the young corner-forward. His movement caught the eye as Meath struggled to contain him all afternoon.
15. Conor McManus (Monaghan)
Finished with 1-3, including an uber clinical penalty, but was also the focal point for so many of the Monaghan attacks in his first start of the year. Won everything ahead of Shane Enright.
