Eamonn Fitzmaurice is confident the intense competition within the Kerry ranks will stave off any complacency after their dismantling of Roscommon in the Allianz Football League semi-final.
Kerry were ruthless and clinical in a 3-15 to 0-14 destruction of the Rossies at Croke Park, setting up a final showdown with Dublin after they shrugged off the challenge of Donegal.
Fitzmaurice warned his team will have to improve further to live with the Dubs, but praised the hunger and desire of his charges after an impressive victory.
“It was comfortable enough but at the same time there were parts of the second half where we definitely got a bit sloppy and Roscommon put a good bit of pressure on us," Fitzmaurice said.
"They’d a good few wides at the end that if they kept chipping them over it could have been a lot tighter but we’re delighted to have won and delighted to be in the final.
"We got some great scores, there were some great options taken. You’d have to be happy with that"
“We’d hope complacency wouldn’t be an issue because Roscommon are an excellent team and we knew if we took our foot off the gas that they were going to come right back into it. We were aware that we had to keep driving on and we just about did enough in the second half.
“We’ve great competition. As always the subs contributed. We know from today we’ve plenty to improve on for two weeks’ time. Whoever comes through, I’m sure it will be a great game to look forward to."
The Kingdom emptied their bench en route to victory, with Bryan Sheehan entering the fray after only 19 minutes, and those introductions seemed to eventually disrupt their rhythm.
It mattered little though, with the game effectively won by half-time, and Kerry showcased their class in the swirling Croker winds with some wonderful scores.
“It was a strong breeze and an unusual breeze for Croke Park, blowing diagonally from the Hogan end down to the Cusack Stand end," Fitzmaurice added. "It was very strong and it was a factor. It was tough to play against but thankfully we did enough.
“We got some great scores, there were some great options taken. You’d have to be happy with that. To get three goals was satisfying so it was good, but there’s plenty to work on for the final."
