GAA: Six talking points ahead of the All-Ireland SFC final

We look at the history, backdrop and battle lines ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland final between Dublin and Kerry...

The backdrop

Dublin arrive into Sunday's final steeled by the repeat exam against Mayo and the surer of foot for it. 

Concerns that preliminary tests in the form of Longford, Kildare, Westmeath and Fermanagh might leave them undercooked when a real grilling arrived have long dissipated. Their ascent to the final has been steady and often spectacular. 

Cork staggered Kerry in the Munster final but since, the Kingdom's defence has been lauded to levels typically reserved for their attack. Astute tactical plays have also been a feature of their season.

Battle lines

The margin of advantage and disadvantage is thin enough for the bookies to price Dublin at 10/11. Kerry are 11/10, at time of writing.

For Diarmuid Connolly and Paul Flynn read James O'Donoghue and Colm Copper. For Paddy Andrews and Ciaran Kilkenny read Paul Geaney and Johnny Buckley. Up front and at either end, the forward lines are of the highest proof.

The Kerry midfield of David Moran and Anthony Maher have fielded as many bouquets as balls this season, but Dublin's Brian Fenton has emerged as a creator with great vision while significantly, Michael Darragh Macauley's energy play has re-emerged.

In the world of setting prices, the bookies have had a difficult week divvying up fine margins.

The benchwarmers

Popular thinking suggests Kerry have more to offer off the bench.

Eamonn Fitzmaurice made a match-defining switch when replacing Kieran Donaghy with Paul Geaney against Tyrone, Darran O'Sullivan dazzled when introduced against Kildare and the Gooch arrived into the championship with a lock-picking pass against Cork in the Munster final replay.

But in Kevin McManamon, Dublin have a goal-scoring impact player of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proportions. He may yet start on Sunday. And, despite being 33 years old, Alan Brogan remains an influential and dangerous contributor. 

The bite down moment

Was Fionn Fitzgerald's late late point against Cork in the first Munster final a speculative punt or an expression of ice cool confidence?

We still don't know for sure, but that play symbolised Kerry's resolve and it might yet be the moment that rescued a championship.

For Dublin, the late introductions of Macauley, Alan Brogan and McManamon steadied a team badly missing Connolly and Flynn, and sliding towards defeat. 

The history

Mikey Sheehy's chip over Paddy Cullen's head in the 1978 final, Kevin McManamon's comeback goal that teed-up Stephen Cluxton's match-winner in 2011, the semi-final gift from the Gaelic Gods in 2013, Bernard Brogan's stunning goal in the '77 final, Maurice Fitzgerald's equally spectacular sideline equaliser in Thurles in 2001!

There's no richer seam in Gaelic football rivalry and Sunday's final destined to throw up yet another YouTube moment to pore over. 

Footnote: The refereeing sub-plot

There's been     no bit-part for the referees this championship. The continued development of athleticism and tactics have cast referees with the most difficult of individual challenges.

Meath's David Coldrick is in charge for the final, with Joe McQuillan assigned to one of the line-running roles. 

With the teams so evenly matched, you just know Coldrick's performance is in for the post-match treatment.

It would be in keeping with the script.

Watch the All-Ireland SFC final between Dublin and Kerry live on Sky Sports 2 HD on Sunday from 2.30pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.