Leinster SFC Final: We would have got good odds on last April's NFL fixture not being the most significant between the counties this year.

Laois's bloodless victory that day seemed to confirm that Mick O'Dwyer had made the right choice hopping across the border to take charge of Laois's wayward talents.

Despite the significant win over Dublin, the force behind that theory has waned a little. Kildare's win over Meath might have lost a little of its gloss by the unfolding form of the football championship but it has been an impressive demonstration of Pádraig Nolan's meticulous management and the potential of players in the post-Dwyer era.

In a way, this is nicely set up for Kildare. Laois might have hoped to reach this final but Micko hardly anticipated being there as roaring favourites. But the one thing proved by the semi-final win over Dublin was that the county's mentality is tougher and more self-confident than before. The former champions might have been poor on the day but the bravado evinced by the injured Colm Parkinson when interviewed by RTÉ at half-time was impressive.

That win was based on economy of score-taking. It has been since argued that Laois will never again hit those heights of accuracy but their confidence won't have been done any harm. They benefited from Dublin's wildly wasteful finishing but built a far more reliable platform around the middle. Pádraig Clancy and Noel Garvan didn't dominate the skies but they were sharp on the breaks and had great back-up from the half lines. They can expect more searching opposition tomorrow.

In the league meeting, Killian Brennan's display against the Laois pair was one of the positives for Kildare. Again against Meath, Brennan led the charge back into contention at centrefield and their half backs imposed themselves as effectively as did Laois's in the other semi-final.

At times Laois were vulnerable to being run at and Kildare's fast and furious second-quarter display in that regard will have concentrated minds in the Laois management - as will the fact that Kildare's economy matched Laois's: six wides each.

It will be interesting if Kildare get a run on Laois to see how they react to pressure at this level although the comeback against Offaly in the quarter-final was prima facie evidence.

No doubts about Kildare's composure after their resurrection against Meath but there are other frailties that make Laois favourites. The question about Anthony Rainbow's fitness is serious in the context of an inexperienced defence. Laois's attack looks more convincing and the options on the bench are more extensive. Finally, Laois have momentum and a growing confidence. It puts them in the frame for victory.