1. Donegal a level above Meath

Donegal delivered a super display on Sunday but it was evident from early in the game that they are operating at a level above Meath.

Their running power and scoring efficiency was just too much for the Royal county.

Meath may have had good wins over Dublin, Kerry, and Galway but when they met a fresh and ready Donegal side they didn’t have any answers.

Meath are a coming team and they will take some harsh lessons from this defeat but they are still at the early stage of their journey.

They couldn’t get out of Division 2 this season during the league and Donegal have been a step above all the sides they have met from the second tier this year.

Monaghan did ask a few questions but couldn’t beat Donegal in two games, while Louth, Cavan, Down, and Mayo were all defeated with little fuss.

However, Donegal are unlikely to get too carried away with their emphatic win.

They have had much tougher games against Division 1 sides such as Armagh, Tyrone, and Meath.

Kerry are the Division 1 League champions, and their tactical awareness and conditioning will be much better than Meath’s.

It’s likely to be a much different game when Donegal take to the field in the final.

2. Donegal midfield set the tone

In all of Meath’s big wins this season they have had a strong platform at midfield.

However, Donegal took that away on Sunday, particularly on Meath’s own kick-outs.

Bryan Menton’s injury was a loss but even before that Donegal were getting a grip.

Michael Langan was brilliant once again in front of the posts but it was his work in the aerial exchanges that was really pivotal.

And Hugh McFadden had a super game alongside him.

It looked like McFadden might have been heading for a bit-part role when he struggled with sciatica last year but the new rules suit him and he’s making the most of his opportunity.

Donegal did have a few issues on their own kick-outs and Shaun Patton’s radar out to the wings wasn’t quite right.

However, his monster restarts with the wind in the second half caused huge damage , and that will give Jack O’Connor plenty to ponder this week.

3. Settled forward line helps team

It’s been a case of four into three doesn’t go in the Donegal full-forward line since the start of the championship.

With three players now staying up the field, Jim McGuinness has been aiming to get the mix right high up the field.

Michael Murphy has started every game and while he is a huge focal point in attack, he is also a key cog as a target for Shaun Patton’s booming kick-out.

Oisin Gallen, Patrick McBrearty and Conor O’Donnell have all had to start at least one championship game on the bench.

However, McGuinness appears to have decided that McBrearty is now his impact sub, and he made a real impression off the bench against Monaghan and again in the win over Meath.

The knock-on effect is that O’Donnell and Gallen aren’t looking over at the line every time they miss a shot now, and they are playing with a real freedom.

In total, Donegal got 2-11 from play from their full-forward line against Meath and all four players will be confident heading into the All-Ireland Final.

4. McGonagle makes forceful return

For the first time since returning to the managerial hotseat, McGuinness had all his main men fit at the same time last Sunday.

Caolan McGonagle had been out injured since the Tyrone group match.

He had to be content with a place on the bench against Meath but made a real impression when he came on.

The big Buncrana man made one outstanding block and was forceful on the Meath kick-out.

McGuinness was thrilled to have McGonagle back available to shore up the defence and he will be pushing hard for a starting place for the final.

It would be harsh on any defender if they were dropped for the decider, but tough calls may have to be made.

For the bulk of the last two seasons, McGonagle has been a pivotal player at the heart of the backline.

He is reliable on the ball and has good defensive instincts, and it will be interesting to see if the management turn to him from the start against Kerry.

5. No over-exuberant celebrations

Donegal knew they were going to be in the decider long before the final whistle on Sunday.

However, it was still noteworthy that there were no over-exuberant celebrations after the hooter.

Brendan McCole raised both arms in the air and there were plenty of high fives and pats on the back.

To reach the All-Ireland Final is a huge achievement for any player but the Donegal panel aren’t content just to be contenders.

The game was only over a couple of minutes when Hugh McFadden beckoned to his teammates that it was time to head into the dressing room.

There was no lingering out on the pitch or basking in the semi-final glory, and there was no real ‘giddiness’ when they left the changing rooms either.

There was a real sense of focus from the team that there is still another win required to complete their mission.

There’s only two weeks to get ready for the big match and the recovery started straight away to make sure the team are primed and ready for the showpiece event.