Dublin manager Dessie Farrell has said the planning to try to stop Kerry star David Clifford has "kept us up late at night" in the build-up to Sunday's All-Ireland Football Championship final.
Clifford has been at the forefront of Kerry’s march to another decider as they look to defend the crown they won last year – a game in which he scored 0-08 of their 0-20 points.
The Fossa man scored 0-09 in this year’s semi-final and has 5-39 in total in the championship so far.
Dublin come into this decider as marginal underdogs, but there are many who believe they can dethrone the champions.
Stopping the 24-year-old from registering a big score will go a long way to doing so.
Clifford, and which one of his defenders will be tasked with marking him, is firmly on the mind of the Dublin manager.
He said: "That is going to be a challenge for sure. It's kept us up late at night, shall I say. I think ultimately it's going to be a team effort.
"It will require a great team defence. He is a unique player, a special talent, and we're going to do our best to rise to that challenge."
Dublin were beaten by Derry in the league and held by Roscommon during the group phase before the knockout rounds of the All-Ireland.
There was a doubt over how strong they would be, yet they have shown shades of their former greatness in dismantling Mayo and managing to overcome a stern Monaghan challenge in the last two games before the final.
Farrell added: "Monaghan are a much-improved team. We knew they would challenge us right to the bitter end. That proved to be the case and we were just delighted to get through it.
"The National League was important to us in terms of promotion and getting back to Division 1. Then the Leinster Championship in terms of retaining that title because it's important to our players but also preparing us for the latter stage of the competition. It's gone more or less according to plan and we have one massive test left.
"Preparations have been going well for the final. There is a great sense of excitement within the squad. A lot of players have been there before but there is a significant number who have never experienced an All-Ireland final. There is a great buzz about the place."
Dublin have called upon some of their veteran stars throughout the year – often through the bench – and famously recalled Stephen Cluxton at the end of the league season.
That move sent shockwaves around the game – with the Dublin boss adamant it was all to do with losing their previous number one.
"Injury was the reason. Evan Comerford who had taken over from Stephen had a significant injury and was out for a long period of time. Stephen was always ready to step back into the fray if required. He has been going great and we're delighted to be able to rely upon his experience.
"Obviously Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion came back this year so we have an influx of experience and seniority if you like but at the other end we have some new players coming through in the last two years - over 20 in total - so there is a lovely combination within the squad of senior experience, youthfulness and energy. It has meshed really well together and we have a big game on Sunday
"At this stage of the competition having strength in depth in your squad, particularly on the bench for impact, is crucial. It's going to be a hugely important component for both teams I'd imagine to finish the game as strongly as possible."
A Dublin v Kerry final will add to the mystique of Sunday's occasion, with tickets in high demand and a fascinating duel of a team on the rise against one who are rebuilding using many of the blocks that brought them to the unrivalled six in a row.
Farrell feels the day itself brings enough of a unique feeling despite the history.
"I think it's just special being involved in an All-Ireland final. We understand as players and management we are in a very privileged and unique position.
"We are very grateful for that and the opportunity. All we can ask now for everyone involved is to go out and give it our best and see where it takes us."
Watch the All-Ireland Football Championship final, Dublin v Kerry, this Sunday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio
