Dublin’s most important defender is an example to all backs who shirk a tackle

Relentless.

Dublin are a team full of great players, and due to the fact that they are the highest profile team in the country, the majority of these players are heralded. A man who's song is rarely sung, however is John Small. The Dublin half back is an exemplary defender. He does everything a defender should do. The Ballymun Kickhams club man, out of all of Dublin's great defenders, probably has the soundest defensive instincts. It's very rare that you see John Small on the ball, but at the same time it's very rare that you see his man on the ball. Small sees every game as a personal battle with his marker, and he will do everything within his power to ensure that he is the one who comes out on top. He is ferocious, he is relentless and any man who is marking him, by God, they know they're in for a tough day in the office. Many defenders fancy themselves as ball-players as well, they enjoy getting on the ball, they enjoy showcasing their skills. That isn't John Small's style. He knows his defensive duties, and he obeys them religiously. You can just imagine by watching him play, that every time he gets in a block, a tackle or an interception, it feels to him, like a score or a brilliant piece of skill does to others. Jim Gavin's most loyal lieutenant came up for discussion on The GAA Hour Show on Monday, and both Colm Parkinson and Cian Ward felt it was time to sing his song. Colm Parkinson was most impressed with Small's approach to tackling. He stands his man up, he's as strong as an ox but he also has the pace and flexibility to ensure that it is so hard to get by him. He spreads his arms, he moves his feet, he's just not giving the attacker a moment.

"John Small is so strong in the tackle. He's so bloody underrated John Small, he'll do a job for you, he's got the heart of a lion. He's a real competitor. He looks like a Dublin footballer.

The 24-year-old isn't your typical defender's defender, though, with whom you would associate a business-like demeanour, Small knows his importance. He sticks his chest out, he is cocky.

"There's an Eamonn Heary hard-man look to him, and he has that kind of Dublin cockiness just in him as well."

Small was at his brilliant best on Sunday against Tyrone, when he marked the Ulster county's most potent attacking threat, in Peter Harte out of the game. He stood on him, he nagged him, he tugged his jersey, he did everything that a defender should. Harte didn't get a sniff. A true indication of how high Jim Gavin rates Small is that he tasked him with the man-marking job of Harte. Gavin recognises Small's prowess, and he knows his value. You can listen to this discussion and much more from The GAA Hour here. https://soundcloud.com/sportsjoe-gaa-hour/dublin-masterclass-versatile-mayo-and-hill-16-stereotypes