With less than 24 hours left ’till throw-in at MacHale Park, Jim Gavin has finally named his starting fifteen for tomorrow night’s match with our lads. Here it is:
Dublin (NFL Division One v Mayo 14/3/2015): Stephen Cluxton (Parnells); Eoin Culligan (Kilmacud Crokes), Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes), Jonny Cooper (Na Fianna); Philip McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams), Cian O’Sullivan (Kilmacud Crokes), Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf); Denis Bastick (Templeogue Synge Street), Emmet Ó Conghaile (Lucan Sarsfields); Tomas Brady (Na Fianna), Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams), Ciaran Kilkenny (Castleknock); Kevin McManamon (St Judes), Paddy Andrews (St Brigid’s), Bernard Brogan (St Olver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruaidh).
The team named above is, essentially, the same one that lined out against Tyrone last Saturday night, the sole change being Cian O’Sullivan coming in at centre-back, with Philly McMahon shifting over to the wing. Nicky Devereux drops out.
Whether or not that how they’ll actually line out is another day’s work, as teams named in advance of matches by Jim Gavin are rarely the same as the side that takes the pitch when the ball is thrown in. All will, I guess, be revealed tomorrow evening at MacHale Park.
Jim Gavin seems to be sticking with his policy of giving plenty of players some game time rather than bringing in all of his more established players. As you said though WJ, there could be changes before the throw in. It’ll be very interesting to see how our half-forward line will do against their half-back line, as it looks like their strongest line. Our full-back line against their full-forward line will be tasty too. Whoever gets on top here, could mean the winning of the game. Again it looks like horses for courses in Mayo’s line-up this week, with Colm Boyle picked at centre-half back to mark Dean Rock. It should be good!
I have my doubts , I heard during the week Connolly would get a run in Castlebar .
Don’t be surprised if we hear over the intercom “there’s one change(or more) to the Dublin team no. 10 Tom Brady is replaced by no. 22 Diarmuid Connolly! Get the points not the point!!!!
Great minds think alike Sean!!!
I can guarantee you that team will not start. 2 changes at least maybe more. Jim Gavins attempts at disguising his teams are as bad as his interviews. He is the biggest pain in the arse in gaa at the minute, and that takes some doing…
That is a strong Dublin team and I expect a couple of changes before the game starts.That is the usual MO for Jim Gavin teams. The thing is that Dublin are one of the few counties where the guys on the bench are game changers. The Dublin team that finishes this game will be a strong side. While its only March this 2 points will be hard won.
Yeah;I’d say change number two has to be Eoghan O’Gara bringing his arial prowess to bear & a heavy dose of high balls in between himself and KK…all of this could be immaterial with a repeat of the fog a very distinct possibility!
I expect Dublin to throw everything at us from the start. I would like to see us go ultra defensive and soak it up hitting them on the break with quick kick passing up the field. I don’t think we should go man 4 man, at least not early on until we settle into the game. Continue what we have been doing up 2 now, try and not concede goals and put pressure on their shots. Concern 4 me against Derry was their attempt to isolate Higgins on the edge of the square, he is not the tallest, and drag Keane out the field. This will be big test for Keane.. depending on how Dublin line out we could see a change r 2 ourselves with a game more suited to lighter faster guys such as Caff r Mikey Sweeney. Anyway looking 4 ward to a good game and hopefully we will get the 2 points.
need to work out a way of containing Brogan has destroyed us a few times.
will be the acid test tonight for Keane
There is a strong possibility that Dublin could make three significant changes before the game with James McCarthy starting to probably pick up freeman (remember the treatment he dished out to freeman the night the fog) Connolly coming into the half forward line instead of Brady and Eoghan O Gara in for paddy Andrews. If this is the case Mayo will have to deal with a different animal altogether. Looking forward to a great game.
Tonights’ game will be a key measure of where this Mayo team are really at. Important that we can demonstrate that we can compete against the might of the Dubs…regardless of it only being a spring league game.
We have been a top 3/4 team for the past few years, there is no doubt we will compete, perhaps the question Dublin are asking themselves can they still compete at the highest level!!! Really looking forward to this game, represents a great test for KK, p Durkan, d o Connor, Ronnie, and a freeman. Can’t wait.
Last years league game against Dublin showed up some of our flaws, not able to close out game from winning position. This was the trend for the year. A lot of people say its only the league but neither team will want to bend the knee and it will give us a good idea of where this Mayo team are at.
Yes we have been a top 4 team this four years under James watch, Now we have a new management team and a lot of the same players ,so it will be interesting to see have the long term player the hunger and desire to go all the way again this year .
Would love to see Mayo try to isolate Freeman on Cooper. Force Dublin to make an adjustment and if they don’t adjust Freeman is well capable of winning ball n running at him.