I don't agree with all of that Gary. Most Donegal posters were expecting the worst going into that semi. Personally I thought Dublin would be up against it. Donegal supporters often posted here in the past defending the blanket system on the grounds that they didn't have players of the calibre of teams like Dublin, Kerry and Mayo. I always and still do call BS on that. All-stars all over the pitch, experienced, best full forward line in the country IMO. Was Dublin's favourite tag justified, yes. To predict the future you have to look to the past and I think last year's semi was Jimmy's only win over Dublin during his term. Not many would have put big money on Donegal. Do Dublin have better footballers than Donegal? Man for man I would say just about. Can Donegal organise themselves effectively to beat Dublin's open attacking football system? Yes. Are Donegal a 'better team' than Dublin? No I don't think so although with the combination of talent at their disposal and application of a good defensive system, capable of beating Dublin under the right conditions.
I think quite a lot of Donegal fans got caught up in the Dublin Euphoria last year, when Dublin steamrolled everybody in front of them, Including a Monaghan side Donegal had a battle with. However I didn't share their concerns, and I wrote exactly why I felt that way on the Donegal forum before the game.
Dublin are clearly stronger in attack, while Donegal are clearly stronger in defence. However so far as the balance of players goes, I would say both sides are fairly evenly matches when it comes to the 14 outfield men on each team ( Goalkeepers cancel each other out ). In terms of attacking options in half & full forward lines, Dublin have 8 or 9 excellent attacking players to fill 6 positions and definitely outweigh Donegal in this department. Donegal really have Michael Murphy and Paddy McBrearty who could challenge or be considered. Dublin can add Michael Darragh as a super midfielder too.
In terms of defensive options, Donegal have a superb full back line, half back line and Neil Gallagher in midfield that I would pick ahead of the Dublin half & full backs. Considering this, I would say there is an overall balance between the teams.