SO, NOW we know. Derry have evolved into a team of considerable substance and, no doubt, will be installed as the favourites to capture the Sam Maguire as well. On yesterday's evidence, it is hard to have any qualms about such an assessment.

Derry were fit, focussed and committed. Indeed, I can't recall any team of recent years displaying these attributes so well in a National Football League Final situation. There was a touch of championship fervour about them. And, yet, Brian Mull ins will be more aware than anyone that there is still room for improvement.

Really? Well, yes. The most crucial concern to Derry must be the failure of their half forwards, in particular, to score from play (only Damien Barton managed this feat) and there is an over reliance on the free taking abilities of Anthony Tohill and Enda Gormley.

And for all their dominance, Derry only really pulled away in the last 10 minutes or so. They must learn how to kill off teams more clinically. To do this, I believe Joe Brolly and Gormley must become more aware of colleagues in better positions: on a couple of occasions yesterday they went for wonder points when a simple pass would have destroyed the opposition.

In tighter games, this tendency to hold on to the ball could prove to be the difference between losing and winning.

Also, while Tohill's contribution, especially from frees, was excellent, he still has some way to go to reach his own exalted heights in general play. His fielding was not up to normal and, at times, he struggled to match James Ruane's mobility. Food for thought. What will Tohill be like when he is fully fit?

Psychologically, however, this was a huge win for Derry. After all, it was a highly competitive game; a sure sign that the championship is just around the corner. Of course we had the customary niggly fouls and some off the ball incidents in the opening minutes of the match. Nowadays you expect that sort of carry on, but once the game settled, there were some fine passages of play.

Ironically, Donegal's man to man defence worked quite well; although Barry McGowan did better on Brolly when moved back there instead of Mark Crossan, who it must be said, did well when switched outfield. However, teams will have to learn that you simply can't afford to foul a Derry player inside 60 yards otherwise Tohill or Gormley will just step up and punish such indiscretions, time and time again.

Indeed, it has got to the stage now where Derry players are almost glad to be fouled within sight of the goalposts and pass over responsibility to the free takers. Perhaps this explains the overall reluctance of the half forwards to attempt scores from play.

I was impressed with both defences, but especially Karl Diamond. He showed tremendous anticipation and power in the Derry defence and, generally, won a lot of breaking ball. The full back line also demonstrated good mental alertness and physical quickness, with only Mantis Boyle of the Donegal forwards making a significant impact.

Where do Donegal go from here? The defeat, and especially the manner of it, will deflate them. But they have the talent and resolve to pick themselves up for the Ulster Championship engagement with Down in three weeks time. They hung in well for most of yesterday's game on limited possession. Noel Heggarty's goal just before half time gave them a lift which kept them going until the closing stages.

But Donegal's main failing was that they played well out of defence as far as 40 yards from their opponents goal - and then came unstuck with short, cross field passing.

Against a fit and strong Derry defence, who inflicted legitimate hits and blocks on the Donegal attackers, such cross field movement was asking for trouble. Surely a more direct, quicker ball into the full forward line would have been more effective, even allowing for the fact that Tony Boyle was definitely out of sorts and will have better days in Croke Park.

The obvious difference in the physical power and strength of Derry against Donegal's athleticism told in the final 10 minutes of the match when Derry's dominance finally came through. At that stage, Donegal's legs had gone - thanks to those persistent "hits" (of the legitimate so hasten to add) - while they were also devoid of ideas.

There were a few positive things for Donegal to take home. The defence, generally, can be pleased enough with their day's work and Ruane is a real find. I was very impressed with his mobility and willingness to shoot. But the inability of Brian Murray to catch cleanly around centre field is a worry, fisting one handed to break the ball is something of a lottery and puts too much pressure on team mates.

Derry, however, appear to be the team to beat heading into the championship.

It is a situation which should be familiar to them. Perhaps Derry should have more to show for all their efforts and potential in the 90s than just one All Ireland title. Still, I'm sure they have learnt lessons from last year and, at this stage, will have immense confidence and a great appetite to succeed. There is no panel in the country with a greater strength in depth; and that's a rather ominous thought for any other pretenders to Sam Maguire.