Dublin’s Kevin McManamon believes that performing well in the Allianz National Football League is crucial for any side with Championship ambitions.
Dublin reached the 2011 NFL Division 1 final, where they were defeated by Cork, before going on to achieve All-Ireland glory.
"It probably has been the springboard for our success," he told RTÉ's Brian Carthy. "It is absolutely perfect to get game plans in place and get lads up to Championship pace. I think it is very important."
Dublin take on Kerry, who the men from the capital beat in last year's All-Ireland final, on Saturday evening, and McManamon is sure that the Kingdom will be desperate to defeat the Metropolitans.
"I know Kerry will have ear-marked it for the last couple of months trying to beat us and trying to get some revenge for All-Ireland final day," said the St Judes man.
"It should be an exciting, tense game. We've tried to park 2011 and really put a big focus on trying to get a good start to the league.
"I remember us heading out last year to play Cork, the All-Ireland champions at the time, and the amount of effort we put in to try to beat them. I'm sure Kerry will be trying to do the same. It would take away a small bit of the pain from last year if they were come around beat us this time around."
Dublin's NFL opener against Kerry will be live on Setanta Ireland on Saturday night, following live coverage of the Division 2 clash between Tyrone and Kildare. Down's battle with Donegal in Division will also be live, following the Dublin-Kerry encounter. The coverage starts at 16.55.