Paul Flynn says the possibility that Stephen Cluxton, Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthy could overtake the legends of Kerry's golden years by winning a ninth All-Ireland medal adds an extra level of excitement to Sunday's decider.
Pat Spillane, Mikey Sheehy, Páidí Ó Sé, Ogie Moran and Ger Power all have eight All-Ireland medals from Kerry's victories in the 70s and 80s.
Cluxton, Fitzsimons and McCarthy all drew level with Kerry's record holders following Dublin's victory over Mayo in 2020 final.
"Jamesie, Stephen Cluxton and Mick Fitzsimons are all going for nine All-Ireland medals," former Dublin footballer told RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland show.
"No other footballer has been able to achieve that. That's quite significant, and if they were to walk up the steps on Sunday, there would be a certain level of emotion that I'd feel playing with them right through from the start of my career. It's going to be a really interesting part of it this weekend.
"It's ridiculous really, the intensity, commitment both on and off the pitch [that's required]. To keep your body in physical shape to be able to perform, and not just perform but perform to the highest standards.
"These guys have been doing so well this year. I think it's just incredible to see it. I know with my own body, I feel the impact the career has had on it. Yet, they're still doing it, still going to the well and performing.
"That adds a bit of excitement to the game this weekend because we know in Kerry, they enjoy celebrating their own legacy as a proud county. For Dublin to be able to overcome them and be the only players to have nine All-Irelands is significant for sure.
"I don't think it'll be on the players' minds going into the game. Maybe, when they get a bit of perspective like I have now after being away from the game, they might enjoy that more."
10 July 2022; Seán O'Shea of Kerry scores the winning point from an injury time free kick during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Kerry's victory over Dublin in last year's All-Ireland semi-final was the Kingdom's first championship victory over the Dubs in 13 years. Flynn says there should be "an asterisk" next to the win.
"If you look back to 2009, it was the startled earwigs game where Kerry hammered Dublin, and from then Dublin have had all the significant wins. 2011, 2013, 2015 final, and '19," he said.
"For them to overcome that game last year, in the manner that they did with a huge free kick from Sean O'Shea, you could see the elation in them. You could see that it was a big milestone for them to reach.
"We were the same, whenever we beat Tyrone in 2010 and 2011. They were the benchmark team, and when you overcome them, it gives you great confidence.
"It comes with a caveat, there's a bit of an asterisk beside it because it was a watered-down version of the Dublin team.
"This weekend, we are going to see the real Dublin team with Cluxton, Jack McCaffrey, and Paul Mannion back. Kerry will know they are going to be facing a different animal this season."
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