MANY GAA CRITICS, including this writer, have doubted whether Dublin have it in their make-up to finally capture the Sam Maguire this year – a trophy that has eluded them since 1995.
However, there are certain tactics that, if successfully implemented, can turn the Dubs’ distant dream into a realistic prospect.
They are as follows:
1. Use the bench well.
Too often, the Dubs have had a tendency to collapse in the final few minutes of crucial encounters. Their intense style of play often leaves many of their players spent. Pat Gilroy needs to make the right decisions at the right times, getting the most out of experienced players such as Alan Brogan and Barry Cahill, whilst ensuring they aren’t running on empty.
2. Adopt a positive attitude.
Dublin have an annoying habit of wilting when things aren’t going entirely their way. As Keith Barr writes in the Independent, they could do worse than learn the type of courageous, never-say-die attitude displayed by their Leinster counterparts.
3. Demonstrate composure under pressure.
Pat Gilroy’s men often endeavour to simply shoot for the sake of it, and end up racking up an excessive amount of wides as a result. This, coupled with their penchant for aimlessly booting the ball down the field, represent recurring habits that Dublin must rid themselves of if they are to have any hope of achieving success.
4. Balance work rate with intelligent play.
Dublin’s much-feted work ethic can only go so far unless they match it with the type of ruthlessness and canny play that has been conspicuously absent from their game in the past. Work rate, minus this degree of substance to their play, will merely leave them looking like headless chickens.
5. Maintain their stamina throughout the match.
Stamina is another major issue for the boys in blue. Dublin’s frantic playing style often causes their players to burn out prematurely. Dublin will need to, at times, temper their enthusiasm in order to ensure they can retain an acceptable level of performance for the duration of the match.
6. Avoid being overwhelmed by the hype.
As we have seen with all major sports, so much of any respective encounter is played in the head. Year after year, Dublin are arguably under more pressure than any other side in the Championship, such is the constant weight of expectation on their shoulders. They must rise above the hyperbole and block out the criticisms from fans and the press if they are to triumph this year.
7. Wrap Bernard Brogan in cotton wool.
As the only Dublin player to make last year’s All-Star team, Brogan is arguably his side’s best player. Dublin will need to their utmost to protect their prized asset and ensure he is given enough ball to influence proceedings and hurt the opposition with his driving runs, intelligent play and sheer, unstoppable talent.
What do you think of Dublin’s chances this year?
