I believe we are the team best equipped to tackle Dublin bit there’s still quite a few things we need to address. Still don’t think we are ruthless enough in front of goals, don’t seem to make the most of overloads when bearing down on goal. We also have big problems with finding a reliable free taker from distance.
Our main gain from last year is the strength of our bench this time round. We do have players who can come in and make an impact.
The reasons I think Kerry can beat Dublin in August are as follows:
i) Dublin appear to be able to sustain a much longer peak over the entire year than other teams. A team really has to be absolutely peaking to get near beating them and Kerry weren’t near that on Sunday. I expect they will be in August.
ii) They should have Anthony Maher, Paul Geaney and James O’Donoghue back, all of whom are key players for them.
iii) The semi-final is the best stage to play Dublin as Dublin will likely be going into it untested, again.
iv) I saw enough from Colm Cooper, Kieran Donaghy and Darran O’Sullivan on Sunday to suggest that they will be major players this summer, even if it’s off the bench. Cooper’s first 35 minutes was the best he’s played since returning from injury. Stephen O’Brien is emerging as a real class player.
v) The full effect of the absence of Rory O’Carroll and Jack McCaffrey will not be felt until August.
Kieran Donaghy 33 (since March)
Aidan O’Mahony 36 (in June)
Marc O’Se 36 (only last week)
Colm Cooper 33 (in June)
Anthony Maher 30 (in August)
Donncha Walsh 32 (in July)
Darren O’Sullivan 30 (in May)
Brian Sheehan 31 (in August)