Roberto Lopes admits the FAI Cup final butterflies started a week ago when Shamrock Rovers went on a spying mission to Aviva Stadium.
Their opponents Dundalk are dab hands at this occasion having played in the final for the last four years running, winning twice.
They have not visited the match venue in the build-up.
But Rovers have not been here since 2010 when they lost on penalties to Sligo Rovers in front of a record 36,000 crowd.
Goalkeeper Alan Mannus was in goal that day and is now back at the club following a seven-season stay in Scotland with St Johnstone.
And manager Stephen Bradley - then a player - had an afternoon to forget after being dismissed on a second yellow card.
It will be a new experience for Lopes, 27, who is eager to win his first trophy after three years with the club.
“When I first signed here I always believed we could win something but that it would take time,” he told Mirror Sport.
“When you see the transformation from then to now, we have come so far in terms of the identity we have and how we try to play.
“But we need to have something to show for that as you're not going to be considered a great team until you have won trophies and leagues."
Lopes continued: “We went to stadium last Thursday to check out the dressing rooms and the pitch and the butterflies even started then.
“There was nobody there, so I know it's going to be unbelievable on Sunday. There will be 30,000 plus and it will be a great day.
“This is the biggest day of my career and I can't wait. People will be coming out of the cracks in the wall to see us and will us over the line.”
Lopes was breaking through at Bohemians at the tail end of the club’s successful period under Pat Fenlon.
And he says he tips of the trade he picked up from stalwarts like Owen Heary and even Glenn Cronin - now the Hoops assistant manager - have stood him in good stead.
“The year I joined Bohs they lost the league to Rovers on goal difference but I was on the bench for the last few games.
“I got great experience from the likes of Glenn Cronin and Owen Heary, top pros at the club.
“I saw what it would take to get to those levels and it has taken me nine seasons to get to an FAI Cup final.
“They’re not easy to get to and I'm going to give it my all to win a trophy.”
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