DUBLIN BITTY RARE OUL

Brogan believes champions could look a bit disjointed and will be vulnerable to a shock defeat in Leinster Championship

BERNARD BROGAN feels the changed Championship conditions leave Dublin exposed.

The Dubs are currently enjoying the greatest period of dominance in GAA history but winter football in provincial grounds with no spectators levels the playing field, says Brogan, who retired late last year after a glittering career.

And although they are bidding for a 10th successive Leinster title and a 15th since 2005, Brogan says Dublin’s vuln erability even extends to the province.

Dublin open their defence against Westmeath in the Leinster quarter-final on November 7, a game which will most likely be played in Portlaoise.

Brogan said: “The b o o ki e s wi l l s ay ever y game they play they’ll be hot f avourites i n Leinster, for obvious s reasons. But just this s dynamic and the e way everything has happened, you take a team into a venue that’s not Croke Park... other g r o u n d s d o n’ t h av e the resources, it’s like club football – you never know.

“This Championship is going to p o se s o many different situations and that’s how Dublin could potentially be caught.

“I’m sure they are very aware of it, but I would prefer to be in a position of a Laois or a Kildare or a Meath or Westmeath coming in against Dub Dublin than on the Dublin side. Because you have absolutely nothing to lose. Thi s Championship is going to pose so many dif ferent situations. And absolutely

Dublin could potentially be caught, and I’m sure they’re very aware of it.”

Brogan tempers that by pointing out that, despite a number of retirements, the bulk of the five-in-a-row panel remains available to current boss Dessie Farrell. “Teams will be more confident coming against this Dublin team but the team is still the same lads that were there, that played in the All-ireland final last year, played the guts of 60 minutes of every game.” He added: “Dublin and certain players, there’s no getting away from it, a sunny day in Croke Park, the hard ground, they’re a tough team to play py against because of some of the athletes that Dublin have. It’s a different type of football that’s going to be played this winter.

“There are teams who I think this ground will suit them. Mayo are a dogged enough team in these situations. You could obviously name all of the main teams that are in and around National League Finals.

“I think it is a great l e vel l er. You think ab out c omin g up against a Sligo team that are well-organised and well put together, very physical, there’s no real game you’d fancy to take on, be it in Leinster or anywhere else.

“Taking on Donegal on the soft ground, they’ ll let you know all about it. Tyrone as well. It’s going to be a really interesting one.”

Bernard Brogan enjoyed plenty of Leinster success but fears Dublin’s grip may slip