Game-related statistics which discriminate elite senior Gaelic football teams according to game outcome and final score difference

The aim of this study was to investigate the game-related statistics that discriminate winning and losing teams, and examine the influence of technical performance markers on final score margin in men’s senior Gaelic football. The sample comprised 28 games from 3 years (2015–2017) of the All Ireland Senior Football Championships. This sample was subdivided into close (n = 14) and unbalanced (n = 14) games and analysed using structure coefficients (SC). Across all games, fouls committed (SC = 0.56), goals (SC = 0.39) and total attacks (SC = 0.31) presented the highest discriminatory power. In close games (final score difference <6 points), total attacks (SC = 0.47), shot efficiency (SC = 0.56), goals (SC = 0.50), fouls committed (SC = 0.37) and black cards (SC = 0.43) contributed to winning. Unbalanced games yielded 8 statistics which discriminated winners from losers. In close games, attack efficiency (SC = 0.34), percentage of opposition kick-outs won (SC = 0.37) and yellow cards (SC = 0.32) were associated with winning and red cards (SC = −0.46) with losing. Total attacks and goals discriminated teams across all game contexts. The findings provide performance norms which can be utilised to evaluate and predict performance and inform in-game tactical decisions.