Brian Fenton said the Dublin panel had a "chip on the shoulder" this season following defeats at the All-Ireland semi-final stage in 2021 and 2022. Fenton won the seventh All-Ireland title of his career on Sunday with victory over Kerry.
"I'd keep away from the media, but a lot of experts had written us off," Fenton told RTÉ Radio One.
"Look, we gave them every reason to. We were relegated from Division 1 last year. Some of our performances were below par or average. It was something that we focused on. In terms of the elation, the relief today, it's probably the sweetest."
30 July 2023; Brian Fenton of Dublin, centre, celebrates victory at the final whistle of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Following Sunday's game, several Dublin players praised manager Dessie Farrell for protecting the panel from the "flak" which had been aimed at them over the last two years.
"Dessie came in after Jim (Gavin) and we were successful in 2020 and a lot of people were saying 'ah look, it's the hangover from the glory years of the five-in-a-row'," said Fenton.
"Dessie took all of that flak from fans, media, pundits and probably, initially, inside the camp which was quite toxic.
"I know Dessie a long time and he's been very good to me. He took that front facing, even the Covid training ban - all of those really, really tough days. Genuinely, to win it for him, is something that I will be very, very grateful for."
James McCarthy, who on Sunday became one of three Dublin players to win a ninth All-Ireland title, admitted that seeing Tyrone and Kerry win All-Irelands "lit a fire under a few lads".
"Maybe success got us a bit lazy and we took our eye off the ball a little bit," said the Dublin captain.
"Look, we lost two All-Ireland semi-finals here by a kick of a ball. That can happen. We were on the otherside plenty of times as well.
"You've got to get yourself in a position where it doesn't come down to a kick of a ball. You've got to be four or five points better, take the referee out of it. Although, I thought David Gough refereed brilliant today."
In Pictures: Dublin Players Celebrate Victory With Family And Teammates
