CORK'S form ahead of the All-Ireland camogie final against Galway could hardly have been more impressive.
In their six games this summer, their average result has been a 19-point win. The highest aggregate score they have conceded in an All-Ireland series was 1-7. There is a sense that this Cork team may have something special.
The wing line of Amy O'Connor, who scored a hat-trick in two minutes in the final last year, Katrina Mackay and breakout star Orlaith Cahalane have combined for 10-54 this year.
Their stalwart defense has been bolstered by star defenseman Meabh Cahalan, who could once again challenge for a spot in the final zone.
In his first year in charge, Jer Manley has retained experienced players and brought in some impressive young talent.
The counterpoint to Cork's form is the question of how much their character has been tested. Their last five games have been won by double-figure margins. Three of those, including the All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin, were won by 20 points or more.
Galway were beaten 2-16 to 1-7 in a group meeting six weeks ago but there is a sense that they did not show their full potential in that hopeless encounter.
Treasby's women are not short of fighting spirit. They came from behind in a tense League final against Tipperary but overcame that one-point deficit in the All-Ireland semi-final, led by veterans Niamh Kilkenny, Niamh Mallon and Carrie Dolan.
They had to fight for a draw with Wexford in the group stage and secure three-point wins over Dublin and Waterford in the quarter-finals.
Whether they slammed on the handbrake or not, they learned a lot on the trip to Leeside to face Cork.
Galway will be reaching their first final since beating the Rebels in 2021. They beat Cork 1-4 to 0-1 that day to win by three points.
Since then, their defence, minus Shauna Healy, Sarah Dervan, Katrina Cormican, Emma Helebert and the injured Siobhan Gardiner, has been completely rebuilt. Centre forward Sarah Spellman, winger Siobhan McGrath and winger Catherine Finnerty have all left the 2021 squad.
Their county has already suffered All-Ireland heartbreak in both the men's and women's football finals. Under the astute leadership of Cathal Murray, can their remaining stars strengthen the team in the transition period to claim the All-Ireland camogie title?
Cork are in a fourth All-Ireland in a row, having lost twice before winning last year. Their team remained united and deepened as a result, securing 1-6 from the bench in the All-Ireland semi-final.
They will be clear favourites but there will certainly be another tough test between them and the O'Duffy Cup.