To be the best, you have to beat the best, but having to play two of the top four teams in the country in the run up to a final is a boost for the team's resilience, according to Galway manager Daniel Moynihan.
The Ballinasloe man took over at the helm last autumn, and if the trajectory of this team continues, he could be leading his native county to what would be ust their second senior success come Sunday evening.
He was in relaxed mood when we spoke and was in no doubt about the work his team have to do to secure success this weekend.
"The biggest thing you can have going into an All-Ireland Final is two tough games behind you and that's what we had with Cork and Dublin.
"We had games that could have gone either way. Even at the end of that Cork game, they had a chance to get a score to bring it level and that will stand to us.
"So we're not going in thinking we're well past where we need to be. We still have a bit of work to do over the last few sessions to get right for the final.
Daniel has been involved in Gaelic football from an early age. He played for his club, Ballinasloe at all levels and progressed into management enjoying success from U14 to Junior level with the Ladies football teams.
From there he progressed to intercounty management taking the Galway Minor Ladies team manager position. It was a successful period where he led them to four Connacht, one All Ireland Runners Up, and two All-Ireland A Titles in five years.
Daniel has a Degree in Health, Fitness and Leisure and a Postgraduate Diploma in Physical Education.
Nioclas Mac Donnacha has worked with Daniel for many years and is a highly accomplished coach. He brings a drive and high tempo to training sessions ensuring that he gets the best out of the players. He feels the game has changed in recent years.
"The game has changed tremendoulsl in the last number of years. In terms of strength and conditioning and analysis, what's available to us has changed massively.
"When we started off coaching a good few years ago together with the county minors, it was just a case of 'you have a pitch, you turn up, you train.' and that was pretty much it until the next training session. "Now it's much more involved than that, the preparation is more intense, a six-days a week activity," he said.
Daniel and Nioclais lead a strong backroom that is ensuring no stone is left unturned in the preparation or what should be a thrilling final. The experience of the coaches will have the side prepared for every eventuality and how they will react.
It will be a fascinating encounter.
