ANTRIM captain Kevin Niblock believes that lack of expectation surrounding Mayo gives them the perfect platform to ambush Dublin in Sunday’s All-Ireland final at Croke Park.
Stephen Rochford’s side are massive underdogs as they attempt to end Dublin’s bid for two in a row at the final stage, but Niblock believes that it’s set up beautifully for the Connacht outfit as they chase their first Sam Maguire success since 1951.
“Mayo have been going through the gears well throughout the Championship after a patchy League and provincial run,” said Niblock.
“They will no doubt play up to the rank outsider card going into the game and I think that the lack of expectation will suit them, more this year compared to the other years that they have been in the final.”
The St Gall’s man admits that he was hoping that a Kerry-Mayo final would come to fruition, but he said that Dublin’s reputation as one of the greatest GAA teams of all time is fully justified after they once again proved too strong for the Kingdom in the semi-final.
“I was hoping that Kerry would win their semi-final but you just have to admire how Dublin remain calm and get the job done regardless of how many points behind they are.
“They have great belief and resilience, which can only come from their habit of winning so often.”
Diarmuid Connolly has been so instrumental in the county’s recent success, but Niblock believes that Lee Keegan is capable of curbing the influence of the St Vincent’s attacker this weekend.
This is sure to get you pumped for Sunday!#DUBvMAY #COYBIBpic.twitter.com/7Q1URflLmn
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) September 16, 2016
“I don't know which player they will deicide to put on him, but I think Mayo should have Keegan on Connolly,” he said.
“If Keegan can stop him and drive Mayo forward like he has shown that he can, they will be close.
“I think though that both O'Connors, Cillian and Diarmuid, having a good day for Mayo is the most vital thing for their chances of winning.”
On the result itself, Niblock believes that the teams may need a second outing to decide where the Sam Maguire is going this season.
“It’s obviously very hard to look past Dublin,” he said.
“Mayo seem to be improving as the season has went on and I hope they play as well as they can and run Dublin all the way. I think it will be a draw and Dublin will win the replay.”
PREDICTIONS
Rory Kavanagh (Donegal)
Mayo can win but they need to get an awful lot of things right like closing down Cluxton’s kick-outs as he looked vulnerable for first time this year against Kerry. Mayo need to mix the full-court press, zonal approach and dropping. They need to target goals. Can Lee Keegan take Diarmuid Connolly out of the game? He has the tools to do just that but I'm worried about the Mayo full-back line. Kerry were under serious pressure on their own kick-out against Dublin, can the Mayo midfield turn this on its head? If they can, it will be a huge boost. I think they need a very good short kick-out strategy to keep Dublin guessing. I don't see Andy Moran getting the freedom of the park like he did against Tipperary so who is going to be the main threat? Cillian O’Connor, his brother Diarmuid and the other Mayo forwards need the game of their lives. We know the Dublin attack will get the shots off but can Mayo? I think the Dubs have the edge with the better forwards and strength coming off the bench. I expect Mayo to run them very close but it’ll be another All-Ireland lost.
Verdict: Dublin
Eoin Donnelly (Fermanagh)
I think Mayo have a strong squad with players to come in and change the game, which has proved to be the difference in many of their games. Dublin have the mental strength that seems to enable them to overcome any blows that come their way during games and they have huge firepower up front. They also have a free taker that's unerringly accurate this year. Mayo seem to be peaking, however Dublin are likely to have too much again this year.
Verdict: Dublin
Seanie Johnston (Cavan)
I'm convinced Mayo will win, I just feel like it's going to be their year. I think there is one huge performance in them.
Verdict: Mayo
Conor Clarke ( Tyrone)
Having saw both teams first hand recently, it's going to be an enthralling 70-plus minutes of football. Mayo have made serious progress with each game they have come through, and we saw Dublin facing defeat in the face against Kerry and not allowing themselves to be overcome by the fear of losing. They continued to implement the game plan they had been taught and that trust in their system and each other saw them progress when many thought Kerry had done enough to beat them. Because of that, I fully expect Mayo to have learned an awful lot from the Kerry/Dublin semi-final and they will run the Dubs close but I feel Dublin’s self confidence and belief in the system they play, and the personnel and talent within their squad, will see them across the line.
Verdict: Dublin
Rory Grugan (Armagh)
Dublin showed their character, as well as quality, against Kerry. They seem to have all the answers. I think this group of Mayo players will have to produce their best performance ever if they are to win. They've come in under the radar, but it can be hard just to turn it on like a switch. It all points to a Dublin win. Dublin by four.
Verdict: Dublin
Chris Kerr (Antrim)
Mayo have the players that will match them physically for 50-55 minutes but Dublin finish better than any other team. I hope Mayo break the trend but I can't see it. Dublin by five to six points.
Verdict: Dublin
Cathal McShane (Tyrone)
I can’t see anything else other than a Dublin victory. Mayo have been quite lucky to date and I don't see a big game in them to be honest. Dublin by five-plus points.
Verdict: Dublin
Mark Poland (Down)
My heart says Mayo, my head says Dublin. I had a feeling for Mayo after the way they stuttered through the Qualifiers that this could finally be their year. That changed when I watched the Dubs against Kerry. I just feel that this Dublin team are one of the greatest teams the game has ever seen and that they have far more options than Mayo have. When the game against Kerry seemed to be going against them, they just stepped it up another level and I'm sure they'll be keen to be one of the few teams who have won the All-Ireland back to back to cement their place in the history books.
Verdict: Dublin
Killian Clarke (Cavan)
It's hard to look past Dublin, they have oozed class all year. They showed a few weaknesses against Kerry when they were forced to kick the ball long and forced to go 50/50 on a short kick-out. Hopefully Mayo can utilise these flaws and maybe they'll be in with a shout. One thing’s for sure, Mayo will be chomping at the bit come Sunday. They have nothing to lose as everyone is writing them off and that's a great position to be in once it's approached in the right mindset. Aidan O'Shea having a massive game for Mayo will dictate the outcome of the game. I don't think there's too many of the Dublin lads that will stick with his physicality on his day. Ultimately if Mayo can disrupt the exciting football Dublin play then it should be an interesting contest. Mayo by one.
Verdict: Mayo
Ronan McNabb (Tyrone)
I would have to go with Dublin for the win on Sunday as I feel they have the better inside forwards. However I don't think that it's mission impossible for Mayo. I feel they do have a massive performance in them and could possibly cause a shock provided Andy Moran and co. give a good account of themselves. Mayo are building for a final where no one is giving them much of a chance, so they have absolutely nothing to lose. On the other hand, Dublin have been brilliant all summer, coming in as hot favourites, so maybe they are susceptible to one poor performance. I think there won't be much more than a couple of points in it at the final whistle. It would be nice to see Mayo win an All-Ireland as they have been there or thereabouts for a long time, but I think Dublin will have too much going forward and have benefited from their game against Kerry in the semi-final.
Verdict: Dublin
Sean Quigley (Fermanagh)
Looking at the two teams. the quality of Dublin just looks too much for Mayo, although Mayo are going into this game with no pressure attached which I think will really benefit them. Obviously Mayo's big players need to really need to stand up and be counted. As I said though, I think the quality that Dublin possess will see them through. It won't be a walk-over, but I expect them to see it through by three to four points.
Verdict: Dublin
Enda Lynn (Derry)
Anything is possible. I would really like to see Mayo win All-Ireland, however I feel that Dublin are too strong all over the field. Dublin by seven points.
Verdict: Dublin
Ryan McCluskey (Fermanagh)
Dublin are an exceptional team that have a little bit of everything. They have the dark side needed at the highest level to be a winner in any sport with a mix of fantastic players and pantomime villains. Other sides are certainly catching them, but they remain a fantastic side and a product of a fantastic youth system. Credit to Mayo who have reached this stage without peaking and they may just provide the spark in the final. However, I don’t think the spark will be enough and Dublin get my vote.
Verdict: Dublin
