Jim Gavin: ‘We are focusing on our game plan’

“Any of the games we’ve played them in recent times have been very close, the bounce of the ball really between us, and that’s what I expect this Sunday.

“The success of the teams I’ve had in the past has been based on honesty, humility and their capacity for really, really hard work,” added the Clondalkin man.

The Dubs will be hoping to make history on Sunday in Croke Park when they take on Mayo in the All-Ireland decider – hoping to achieve three in a row – the last time this was achieved by the county was back in 1921-22-23.

There is plenty of history between these teams, with the Dubs winning last year’s decider by a point after a replay, while Gavin’s side also came out on top during the 2013 All-Ireland semi-final by a point.

The Dubs have been winning all the plaudits this year with superb performances against Tyrone, Monaghan, Westmeath, Carlow and Kildare.

Dublin produced a superb show against Tyrone in the semis that has made them favourites for the final, while Mayo have come through the qualifiers and recorded an impressive win over Kerry in the semis.

They overcame Derry, Roscommon, Cork and Clare in the qualifiers and, as Gavin has pointed out, they have come good in the last few matches.

Dublin’s strength in depth is certainly evident with the likes of young Con O’Callaghan at centre forward shining and helping himself to 1-20 so far this year.

Paul Mannion is another player who has been very effective and he has contributed 0-14 while Dean Rock still remains the side’s top scorer with 3-24.

Dublin’s ability to create space in front of goal and splitting up the defences has allowed players space and this has benefited the likes of Ciaran Kilkenny, Mannion and O’Callaghan.

If the attack is not moving to plan, the Dublin management team just have to look to the bench and bring on the likes of St Jude’s Kevin McManamon, Paul Flynn or Bernard Brogan who have been very effective this season. These players have bags of experience and would make most county starting teams.

The Dublin defence will have to be very disciplined, with Philly McMahon, Johnny Cooper and John Small expected to have their hands full against a lively Mayo attack.

Dublin’s defence has been very solid this year, but they will come up against a Mayo attack determined to make a point and make amends for last year’s final defeat.

Cillian O’Connor is Mayo’s danger man and has certainly delivered again this season with 3-59 to his credit, while Andy Moran (3-21), Diarmuid O’Connor (3-5) and Kevin McLaughlin (2-7) lead the scoring charts.

There is no doubt that pressure will be on the Dubs defence as they aim to retain Sam Maguire and this will be a key factor in the match.

Mayo has the shooting power to upset the odds and the Dubs can take nothing for granted as the Connacht side have been consistent in the qualifiers.

Midfield will also prove a key area with much depending on Brian Fenton, but Ballyboden St Enda’s Michael Darragh Macauley will be waiting in the wings looking to make an impact.

While there is much talk about kick-outs, tactics, forward play, defensive roles, it will all boil down to who can take their scores under pressure in what is expected to be a close encounter.

And going on previous occasions, you would not put your money against a replay.