Alan Brogan highlights Dubs unity of purpose

Dublin’s unity of purpose is one of their key strengths, according to Alan Brogan, as Jim Gavin’s men prepare for Sunday’s All-Ireland decider against the Kingdom.

“Jim (Gavin) has built this thing about the 30, and everyone feels they are part of it. I know he talks about it all the time but everyone does feel that they are contributing, whether they play on game day or not.

“The success of this squad is not built in Croke Park; it’s built out on the training pitches where the 30 or 34 of us train every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and in the gym on Monday nights. That’s where the real team is built.

“The guys towards the end of the panel who mightn’t think they’re going to be playing are still maintaining those intensity levels.”

Looking forward to Sunday’s Croker decider Alan feels both counties will show respect to the others potential firepower.

“I think both teams have learned harsh lessons over the last number of years.

“We saw Kerry against Donegal after Donegal beat us last year, how they were a little bit more conservative than we would have expected.

“I think we’ll probably see more of the same the next day.

“The same with ourselves - after we conceded the three goals last year, we knew we had to shore up the back as well and I think we have done that.

“We’re still trying to play expansive football but obviously we’re just a bit more structured at the back to make sure we’re not conceding three goals - because if we do concede three goals next Sunday we’ll more than likely be on the losing side.”