Dublin use the league as a stepping stone for summer glory, says James McCarthy.
The All-Star half-back and his team-mates commenced their bid for a fifth league title in-a-row with a seven point victory over hosts Cavan last Sunday.
Speaking to The Irish Independent, the Ballymun Kickhams star revealed a shift in attitude towards the league has been a key ingredient in the championship success they have enjoyed in recent times.
"Around 2010-'11, we changed and we said that we were going to take the league really seriously and we said if we are going to start beating these teams in the summer, we are going to need to beat them in the league.
"And our first one was when we went down to beat Kerry down there and then we started picking up these wins away and it just stands to you. A lot of teams have their best players playing in the league as well, so if you beat them then, you think why can't you beat them in the summer.
"I know it is bigger crowd, warmer weather, harder pitches but it does make it a difference."
Keep up to date will all the action this weekend on our Live Match Trackers. On Saturday and Sunday you can follow the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues.
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