THE all-conquering Dubs are vulnerable heading into this year’s Championship, according to former Kerry star Marc O Se.
The introduction of a one-off knockout Championship as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic could help level the playing field once the action gets under way at the end of this month, feels the ex-Kingdom defender.
Dublin also go into this campaign without four-time Allstar Jack McCaffrey, as Dessie Farrell looks to continue where Jim Gavin left off by landing a sixth Sam Maguire in-a-row.
“I think they are, yeah,” said O Se when asked if Dublin were vulnerable in the upcoming Championship.
“The one thing that really suited them was the Super 8s because if they were to lose a game in the Super 8s it might be the kick up the backside that you need, whereas this year it’s cut-throat knockout Championship.
“Certainly without Jack McCaffrey they are a different team, but we’ve seen from this Dublin team, they’re a team of champions. If it isn’t Jack McCaffrey, it’s going to be James McCarthy or John Small or somebody else.
“They’re well capable of bringing one fella in and he will do a job, but I do agree that the new system certainly helps other teams. On a given day, if you’re up for it, I think it’s the one year that Dublin can be got at.”
From a Kerry point of view, O Se and the rest of the county will be looking towards David Clifford to lead the Kingdom push for a first All-Ireland title since 2014.
The Fossa phenomenon added to a well established reputation as one of the finest forwards in the country with a superb goal for East Kerry in last weekend’s county final.
And O Se believes the 21-year-old can help Peter Keane’s side go all the way.
“I definitely think so.
“I was chatting to James McCarthy last year just before Christmas and congratulating them on their five in-a-row win and asking him about the final and the replay.
“I said 'are ye going to share the love and let any team in?' Straight away the conversation broke towards David and how impressed he was, how good this fella is. I think he was the one player that really worried the Dubs last year.
“If you look at the drawn match, he didn't score that much yet he had a huge influence. He was the cause of the penalty, he kicked two points, missed two earlier shots and of course Jonny Cooper got sent off. Also, you look at the replay, I think it was four points.
“I teach with his uncle Fergus and by all accounts they were living in Dublin for a year so he could have been lost to the Dubs. Sure haven't we given enough to the Dubs… we've given them the Brogans, Cian O'Sullivan, Brian Fenton, we've given enough at this stage.
“We're very blessed to have him down here.”
Dublin and Kerry are not the only ones who hope to be in the shake-up for All-Ireland success by the time the December 19 decider rolls around.
And O Se feels that, no matter who comes up trumps, their success won’t be devalued by winning in this unusual year.
“Whoever wins this year’s championship will be completely worthy of it. We’re going back to a system that served us well in the past.
“The Super 8s was very interesting but, in terms of knock-out competition, I think that is why this year is going to be so interesting.”
