Dublin's lacklustre victory over Longford could be a snapshot from a bygone era given the marked improvement in subsequent performances. One important aspect in making progress is to acknowledge errors and absorb lessons. The Dublin management did and manager Paul Caffrey made a number of changes to spectacular effect.
Bryan Cullen was redirected to centre back, Jason Sherlock and Ray Cosgrove joined the frontline troops among sundry alterations and the impact proved immense. Amid the general high quality of the Dublin performances against Laois and Offaly, both individually and collectively, there have been one or two quibbles.
The Dubs' full-back line has not undergone a rigorous examination because of the sheer excellence of other units within the team yet has shown signs of unease. Longford's David Barden kicked three points, and following that match Niall O'Shea stepped down, with Paul Griffin moving to corner back.
In the game against Offaly there were moments of acute stress early on as Thomas Deehan and Niall McNamee earned and spurned a couple of goal chances.
Over the full game the Dublin full-back line took the honours but for 20 minutes they were distinctly uncomfortable. The Offaly pair scored five points from play but compared to previous games this could be considered a meagre return.
The Dubs' last line of defence may also point to the fact they haven't conceded a goal from a direct opponent in that line. I believe Griffin is back in his best position and his athleticism and man-marking skills will probably be called on to police Dessie Dolan. David Henry likes to carry ball forward but is settling with every game in terms of his defensive responsibilities.
Barry Cahill is very strong and has done an excellent job in filling in at full back. The tests that lie ahead will offer a better benchmark of how this Dublin unit will come to be regarded. I wouldn't necessarily be referring to today's game but any subsequent matches if the situation arises.
Dolan is pivotal to Westmeath's chances of causing an upset. Without him in the Leinster championship against Offaly, Westmeath were rudderless. He's more than just the value of his scores. He is the spiritual leader, a player capable of providing as well as taking scores. Denis Glennon tried to assume that mantle in the Offaly game but Dolan was sorely missed.
Since returning it's his influence as much as scoring return that has been crucial to his team's progress, notably in some of the definitive scores that have seen Westmeath edge past Sligo, Limerick and Galway in single-point wins. Brother Gary and Glennon will have to contribute more if the team are to entertain any hope of success.
Dublin's rotation system in their forward line has flummoxed each outfit they have encountered. They now face the strongest part of the Westmeath team, a defence that is tough, abrasive and difficult to play against. I think the versatility of Dublin's forwards, though, will be an effective counter and have to plump for Caffrey's men; probably by a five or six-point margin.
This weekend's other quarter-final offers two teams in Mayo and Laois that pursue a similar short-passing style of play. The Connacht side are coming off a longer lay-off, a la Dublin, while Laois have reinvented themselves since their abysmal display against Dublin.
One young Laois player who has blossomed during recent matches following a torrid baptism against the Dubs is teenage midfielder Brendan Quigley. He was introduced against Dublin at a time when the match was slipping away from Laois and faced an in-form Ciarán Whelan. It would have been a difficult afternoon for an experienced player let alone a young man who had spent the winter with the Brisbane Lions in Australia.
He has demonstrated his mettle in bouncing back and was very impressive against Offaly, catching a great deal of ball but also displaying leadership qualities when driving forward. He's grown up in the twinkling of an eye. His progress has allowed Mick O'Dwyer to push Noel Garvan to full forward, leaving Quigley to partner Pádraic Clancy. At least that's how it appears at face value, although he may opt to switch the triumvirate around.
Mayo's midfield is one of the stronger sectors in the team, with Ronan McGarrity a colossus against Galway and Pat Harte in great form to boot. This area of the contest could decide the outcome. Both Laois and Mayo like to play short passes and if this is the case tomorrow then the middle third of the pitch could resemble a car-park . . . and a full one at that. The irony is that some of both teams' best moments to date have been when they let in the long ball early.
I believe the victors will be the team who modify their game-plan slightly and use a more direct approach. I think Mayo may shade it at midfield and that would allow players like the rejuvenated Kevin O'Neill to become central to the outcome.
