Dean Rock anticipating ‘hugely competitive’ tie with Tyrone

Dean Rock insists that last summer's championship victory over Tyrone is not an accurate barometer of form ahead of this Saturday night's NFL Division 1 encounter against the Red Hands in Healy Park, Omagh (7.0).

On that occasion Dublin opened with serious intent and Con O'Callaghan's superb fifth minute goal provided the perfect start for Jim Gavin's men.

The work-rate and quality of the tackling of the Dublin team, especially the forward division was excellent, as the Dubs led 1-9 to 0-5 at the interval on their way to an impressive 2-17 to 0-11 point victory, Stephen Cluxton saving a late Peter Harte penalty.

“Tyrone actually had a lot of chances, had they scored some of those chances, it would have been an awful lot tighter and who knows what would have happened down the stretch,” says Dean Rock.

“Any game we’ve played against Tyrone, there’s always been that physical side of it.

“Tyrone are a hugely physical team, very fit, and they play good football.

“I’m sure it’s going to be hugely competitive, it’s going to be physical obviously and who knows what sort of game-plans both teams will play.

“But it’ll be intriguing.”

The Ballymun Kickhams man, who has never faced Tyrone in Omagh, is really looking forward to Saturday night's contest.

"I've actually never played up in Omagh personally so it's something I'm really looking forward to.

"Obviously, Tyrone is a massive GAA county and (there's a) huge tradition there. It's something that we're really looking forward to.

"We always have close encounters with Tyrone in the league, we've had lots of draws over the last couple of years or one-point margins and stuff like that. It should be a big battle and I'm sure it'll be a heavy sod up there. It'll be tough going.

"The league games we've had with Tyrone throughout the years, most of the games have been really tight and go down the wire to the last minute. I'm sure it'll be no different on Saturday night."