Lee Keegan says that Clare narrowing the gap to Kerry would be progress in 2024, but warns a victory is far-fetched.
Ennis will host the Munster football final for the first time since 1919 in a repeat of last year's decider, which the men from the Kingdom won by 14 points at the Gaelic Grounds.
Clare have only won the competition twice, with the most recent victory coming in 1992, but the departure of Colm Collins at the end of last season led some to suggest that the big ball game would regress in the county.
Under new manager Mark Fitzgerald, the Banner failed to gain promotion from Division 3 in the Allianz League, while their semi-final opponents Waterford propped up the entire league standings, finishing bottom of Division 4.
"I really thought Clare would be a team that would regress this year," he said.
"They've lost five of their team from last year and Mark Fitzgerald, I think he's done an absolutely brilliant job.
"He'll probably feel a bit aggrieved that they're still in Division 3 because you look at the Westmeath game and they got a bad decision that kept them down there. He's done a brilliant job.
"Clare are so dogged, and they're as honest a bunch of players as I've ever come across. Even under Collins, they would do anything for Clare football and that's no different to what Mark and that team are doing now.
"I'm shocked they've done as well as they have. I would love to see Clare, similar to what Sligo did against Galway, can they just bridge that score difference and even make it a little closer.
"That, to me, is progression for Clare. They'll fancy their chances against anyone, it's ingrained in them."
For Kerry, All-Ireland champions two years ago, and only failing to retain Sam Maguire in a two-point defeat against Dublin last July, it's a chance for an 85th provincial title, and a 19th this century.
Keegan is expecting a comfortable win for Jack O'Connor's side, but wonders whether a handy trip through Munster is the best preparation for the All-Ireland championships.
"I just find them very patchy," the former Mayo man said of Kerry.
"Even during the league I was waiting for this kick on from them. We got a half of good football and they dropped it again.
"Everybody is so caught around the [David] Clifford mania, I sometimes think we forget about the bigger picture with Kerry.
"I look at their full-back line, that was an issue when Jason Foley went. I look at midfield, Joe O'Connor is having a good year but it's still a sector you can get at.
"Have they got more support for Clifford outside of Seán O'Shea or Paudie [Clifford]? Is there other guys who can help?
"I haven't seen it yet and we're not going to see it on Sunday. There's lot of question marks around Kerry and when they do finally meet a juggernaut, are they going to be ready for that test?"
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