Kildare selector Johnny Doyle says anyone who thinks Dublin will be other than a formidable force in 2022 is "codding themselves", adding that his own side will have to be on high alert ahead of their Leinster quarter-final against Louth at the weekend.
The Dubs are seeking a 12th successive Leinster title this summer - and a 17th in 18 years - but interest has perked up in a previously demoralised province following a series of flat Dublin performances across 2021 and 2022, which culminated in the loss of their All-Ireland crown last August and their relegation from Division 1 of the Allianz League in the spring.
Kildare were likewise relegated from the top tier, though they were highly competitive throughout their first campaign back, registering a landmark win over Dessie Farrell's side in Round 4 in Newbridge.
Lilywhite great Doyle, who forms part of a Kildare A-list coaching ticket alongside Dermot Earley, Anthony Rainbow and Brian Lacey under the management of Glenn Ryan, cautions that the Dubs remain the "kingpins" in the province.
"They're still very much top of the tree in Leinster." Doyle told Game On on RTÉ 2fm from the Punchestown Races.
"Whether they're coming back to the pack... they've certainly lost once in a generation type players, there's no doubt about it.
"They're still going to be a formidable force not just for Leinster but for All-Ireland titles and anyone who thinks any different will be codding themselves.
"That's the challenge for everyone in Leinster and whoever has to play Dublin. They're going to be tough to knock off their perch.
"In saying that, you would think that with the calibre of player that they have lost that they mightn't have the strength in depth they once had. But certainly, they're the kingpins of Leinster and until someone takes that title, that's the way they're going to stay."
While Kildare, hot favourites for the drop at the outset of the campaign, attracted plaudits for their performances in the spring, Doyle ultimately stresses the reality that they're back down to the second tier for 2023.
In a highly competitive division, Kildare were demoted on five points, after wins over Dublin and Monaghan, as well as a draw at home to Kerry. A final day loss to Mayo did for them in the end.
The 2010 All-Star acknowledges there were "green shoots" in the campaign but says Kildare weren't clinical enough at key moments in games.
"The initial thing was to consolidate. We were lucky to be in Division 1. We picked up on a lot of good work done by previous managers. The lads were in good shape. Division 1 was a good learning environment. You had to try to unearth new players and give them an opportunity.
"But in saying that, every match was a really tough match. It was like a championship match. You're mindful of that. You can't throw 10 or 12 new lads in to play Kerry in the first round. You could destroy the confidence of a player and the team. You have to get the balance right.
"At the end of it all, we were relegated. They are the facts. While you would like to think there were some green shoots, you would be overall disappointed that we didn't remain in Division 1.
"There were a lot of games when we weren't as clinical as we needed to be. That came back to haunt us in the end. But it is what it is. You can't look back, you have to look forward and that's what we're doing."
Before considering the challenge of the Dubs, Kildare have to navigate a potentially tricky obstacle in the shape of Louth, one of their traditional bogey teams.
Mickey Harte's side secured promotion to Division 2 in spring and racked up five goals in a demolition of Carlow last time out.
Doyle sees shades of Mick O'Dwyer's famous impact in Kildare in the Tyrone great's arrival in Louth.
"There's a replica of what Mick O'Dwyer did when he came to Kildare. He just got the whole county behind him. And you can see the way the county is behind them in Louth, the support for the county is huge, they're in Croke Park, winning league titles.
"And that is infectious across the whole GAA community in Louth. Mickey Harte and the backroom team and the players deserve huge credit.
"I would have spoken to a player in Louth when Mickey Harte first arrived and there was a genuine buzz and excitement. Players that were a little bit iffy about commitment were first in for trials. That's always a great sign and he's getting the fruits of the labour there.
"From my playing career, of all the years I played Louth, they beat us more times than we beat them. You'd have no doubt of the quality of footballer that's in Louth. We'll have to be at our very best at the weekend."
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