Dublin’s storming finish in the All-Ireland semi-final replay saw them overcome Mayo. A repeat of that surge and more will be required if they are to wrestle the All-Ireland crown from Kerry, says Sky Blues manager Jim Gavin.
Sunday’s All-Ireland decider between the age-old rivals is one that is keenly awaited, a contest that many predicted at the start of the championship.
“I’m looking forward to a great battle against a team who have a host of stars,” was how Gavin summed up this Sunday’s encounter when he spoke to RTÉ Sport.
And while the Dubs boss is acutely aware of the challenge that Éamonn Fitzmaurice’s side will bring, he, nevertheless, is confident that his own charges can kick on from the replay win over Mayo.
"Since the 1950s, we’ve only beaten Kerry four times in championship. We don't have that great a tradition of beating them when you think about it"
“If you take the two games against Mayo as a whole, then that performance will not be good enough against Kerry," explained Gavin.
“I'll be looking for a consistency in performance over the full duration of the game on Sunday. Mayo did creep ahead in the replay and we had to dig deep which is a positive.The boys showed great spirit, resolve and character. That's what won the game for them in the end.
"We'll need that and more against Kerry. If we achieve that, then we should put ourselves in a good position to hopefully get a result.”
Both Dublin and Kerry have strong benches to call on and Gavin has paid close attention to how the Kingdom have used the talent at their disposal.
"It has become a 21-man game, which it's been for the last couple of years. From a Kerry perspective, five or six players have started each of their games this summer. Out from that, he [Fitzmaurice] has rotated. By the Kildare game, all 26 had played a part.”
Like Dublin, Kerry are well served with attacking talent, but Gavin is also at pains to stress their proficiency in other sectors.
“Everybody knows how good Kerry are in midfield. We saw that at first hand ourselves in the league game back in March. They will look to capitalise on that again in the final. They are also good in defence – with the likes of Killian Young, Marc Ó Sé, Jonathan Lynne and Paul Murphy gelling well.
"And then you look at their attack. To score seven goals in one half against Kildare was a phenomenal achievement. They played outstanding football that day and that's how they can play if they are given space and time. We need to deny them that space and time.”
Recent history has favoured the Leinster champions in this pairing, following wins in the 2011 All-Ireland final and 2013 semi-final. Yet, Gavin counters this argument based on the head-to-head over a longer period of time.
"Since the 1950s, we’ve only beaten Kerry four times in championship. We don't have that great a tradition of beating them when you think about it. They are All-Ireland champions and the expectation is that they'll do the back-to-back."
All told, Gavin is happy with the preparations ahead of the final as Dublin bid to win a third title in five years.
“Every player is available for selection. The medical team are doing a great job with Cian O’Sullivan (who picked up a hamstring injury the last day) and we're very positive for next weekend.
"There is always great expectation in Dublin but the players are used to that and can deal with all the external distractions. We’ve had great support all year, right from the first league game against Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn.
"The players really noticed that in our last two games and I thought the support pushed us home the last day."
