Dublin manager Ger Brennan has revealed that he has assessed over 130 players since taking the role as a new generation continues to be built in the capital.
Brennan was appointed on a three-year term last August and has set about turning over a clean slate in the county.
He oversaw a first competitive match this afternoon as an experimental panel helped defeat Laois 4-14 to 1-17 in Ratheniska.
Brennan explained how he has looked throughout their club scene ahead of the start of the Allianz Football League later this month.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport after today’s O’Byrne Cup clash, he discussed the lengths and depths explored: "We've been very lucky with the support of the clubs and the county board in nominating players for trials.
"We've looked at over 130 players from maybe 36 clubs, from Division 1 down to Division 4.
"That is Senior A football down to Junior A football. We have guys on the squad today from Division 4 teams who will get game time again now next week (against Kildare). So it's a wonderful opportunity for those clubs to see some of their players getting game time.
"In terms of a working together point of view, it's nice to have that support from the clubs and the county board."
Brennan welcomed the return of the pre-season competitions which were paused last year with a view to lowering demands on inter-county players.
The Dubs have the luxury of being able to utilise their fringe players and he appreciates the scenario isn’t ideal.
The Sigerson Cup is also taking place next week as well as the start of the league before the end of this month.
"Today’s game was a great exercise for both panels.
"I think for all county teams around the country, these pre-season tournaments, even thinking back to my own playing days, they are always an opportunity to blood new guys and see where lads are at and then try to integrate some of your more seasoned fellas too.
"Obviously with my third level hat on as well, it's trying to balance everything for players that is always a challenge.
"With the way the organisation would have evolved over the decades, many wonderful tournaments have sprung from purposeful places, but they tend to kind of all congeal at similar moments, particularly for college level players male and female, but it is what it is."
Brennan confirmed no changes to his panel so far in terms of any more big name players departing or retirees returning.
"The guys who have gone are gone and have given great service to Dublin and everyone else is working hard behind the scenes and trying to get the bodies right," he stated.
"This split-season, coupled with the new rules, adds additional intensity to the players and to the playing squad. So trying to have some sort of decent pre-season done is very important for players throughout the country."
Brennan famously led Louth to the Leinster title last year, with the chance to manage his own county then materialising after the departure of Dessie Farrell.
Asked if it was a step up to now be in charge of Dublin, he said: "I think that would be disrespectful to Louth. They are the Leinster champions. Dublin are the chasing pack in Leinster. Meath and Louth are ahead of Dublin and then in the All-Ireland series, Dublin got to a quarter-final and so they're in the chasing pack in that as well.
"I just play the ball in front of me and this is the ball that is in front of me right now."
