All-Ireland SFC final: Seán Moran's player-by-player guide to Dublin XV

Seán Moran looks at a formidable Dublin line-up as they chase three-in-a-row against Mayo


1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnells) [Captain]

Age: 35

Height: 6'

Weight: 12st 9lbs, 80kg

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Occupation: Teacher

Record breaking goalkeeper has been back on top form. Renowned kick-outs coming in at 86 per cent retention and his shot stopping has been excellent, including a penalty save against Tyrone, with just one goal conceded in five matches.

2. Philip McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams) @PhillyMcMahon

Age: 29

Height: 6'

Weight: 13st 8lbs, 86kg

Occupation: Owner and CEO FitFood Ireland & BeDo7.ie Fitness

A quieter year all around to date with suspension and injury all but wiping out his Leinster campaign but he’s been solid since in a largely impenetrable full-back line. Indiscipline against Tyrone cost a penalty but match was over.

3. Cian O'Sullivan (Kilmacud Crokes) @CianOSull88

Age: 29

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 13st 12lb, 88kg

Occupation: Accountant

A more subdued year for the defence’s conductor although the beat has picked up of late. Direction of both his backs and the flow of exit ball still impressive. All opponents try to counter him; few succeed in getting close.

4. Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala)

Age: 29

Height: 6'

Weight: 13st 1lb, 83kg

Occupation: Medical student

After MOTM award in last year’s replayed final, his form has remained excellent through league and championship. Fine marker, good tackler and has even started to counter-attack. Only blot the slight carelessness for only goal conceded by team, against Kildare.

5. Jonny Cooper (Na Fianna) @jcoops

Age: 27

Height: 6'

Weight: 12st, 76kg

Occupation: Student

Another kept out by injury for a while, his return has locked down the full-back line. Sweeping in front of McMahon and Fitzsimons, he has been mobile and effective. When required for marking duties, he is sticky and irritating.

6. John Small (Ballymun Kickhams) @johnsmall6

Age: 24

Height: 6'

Weight: 13st 10lbs, 87kg

Occupation: Bank official

Having established himself as a starter in McCaffrey's absence, he has become a mainstay. Hard tackling, good in possession and able to take a score, his man marking of Peter Harte was a prominent feature of the semi-final win.

7. Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf) @jackmcc93

Age: 23

Height: 6'

Weight: 12st 11lbs, 81kg

Occupation: Medical student

Gap year over, his return has added hugely to the team. Incinerating pace makes his runs from deep a major source of penetration. Excellent judgement when to attack the gap but also in defence a good tackler and turnover threat.

8. Brian Fenton (Raheny) @BrianFenton08

Age: 24

Height: 6' 4"

Weight: 13st 3lbs, 84kg

Occupation: Physiotherapist

In the early season he struggled to recapture his All Star form but that has gradually returned. Semi-final display was excellent, constantly available and directing play. Mobile and rarely wastes a ball. Can also hit long-range points when supporting attack.

9. James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams) @JamesyMac26

Age: 27

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 13st 3lbs, 84kg

Occupation: Bank representative

Having a super year, for once not disrupted by injury. Switch to centrefield has showcased his abilities as a tireless runner, gliding along with that phenomenal acceleration, alert defensive cover and in the Leinster final his eye for goal.

10. Ciarán Kilkenny (Castleknock) @CKKilkenny93

Age: 24

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 13st 10lbs, 87kg

Occupation: Student

His possession count has become a regular talking point as it heads inexorably towards 100 (52 against Monaghan and 62 in the semi-final). Constant movement, availability and recycling are key to the team’s retention policy but his scoring has doubled.

11. Con O'Callaghan (Cuala) @ConOCallaghan1

Age: 21

Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 12st 13lbs, 78kg

Occupation: Student

The third All-Ireland final of a prodigious year. Series of mature performances, scoring the ice breaker against Tyrone and nonchalantly taking over the free duties in the Leinster final and nailing them all. Works hard, tracks back. Shoo-in for YFOTY.

12. Niall Scully (Templeogue Synge Street) @niallscully7

Age: 23

Height: 6'

Weight: 12st 2lbs, 77kg

Occupation:

The O’Byrne Cup understudy who made Broadway after his all-action displays in January. Tends to flag but his relentless movement and availability have been important elements in linking play from defence to attack. Can also make clever runs into space.

13. Paul Mannion (Kilmacud Crokes) @Maaaonion

Age: 24

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 13st 6lbs, 85kg

Occupation: Student

Developed physical strength gives him an all-round game: his tackling back against Tyrone was phenomenal and his eight from eight from play in provincial semi-final testament to his shooting. On the field for all but four minutes of the championship.

14. Paddy Andrews

Age: 29

Height: 5' 11"

Weight: 13st 6lbs, 85kg

Occupation: Stockbroker

The great survivor, he continues to start and play a vital role in patiently assembled attacks. Judgement and accuracy - two wides all summer - evident in semi-final where two difficult shots sailed over early on to drain the colour from Tyrone.

15. Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams) @Deanrock14

Age: 27

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 13st 6lbs, 85kg

Occupation: Leisure centre executive

In general play he has been more a goal threat (three) than a point scorer but his metronomic place kicking - 11 from 12 attempts in the two All-Ireland matches to date - has been a vital means of Dublin building momentum.