AT last we are reaching the point where the championship is taking shape. While it has hardly been a phoney war up to now, we are at that place where certain things are coming to light, writes John O'Mahony, Football analyst

Armagh consolidated their period of domination in Ulster last week and now we arrive at what will be an immense occasion in Croke Park. And we are at the time where something has got to give.

This is a significant afternoon in the evolution of Dublin football. The manner and fact of their victory over Meath will be a monkey off their backs and I think the momentum and feel-good factor of that win will carry through to tomorrow.

It really was a most accomplished Dublin performance, containing virtually all the elements that you look for in a championship side. They tackled very well and consistently from the off, they were sharp and focused and they did play with real swagger. The first goal settled them and they hit a purple patch after that and in the early minutes after half-time. But the second goal came at a perfect time and in a sense clouds the lessons or conclusions that can be drawn from the game.

Meath certainly appear to have come into a rhythm over the last two games, but that day they were missing Ollie Murphy and lost John Cullinane early on, a valuable player who, don't forget, was filling the boots of the irreplaceable John McDermott.

So Meath were at a curious stage in their cycle at that time and have shown signs of settling back into the kind of form and style we expect of them since. Also, they were coming strongly when Ray Cosgrove took his second goal for Dublin so we will never know how Dublin would have reacted to a tight finish and I think that is a question Kildare will be hoping to pose tomorrow.

It has to be pointed out that Kildare have made it this far virtually unheralded, which is unusual for them. I think a lot of revisionism has been done on Kildare since the conclusion of the league.

They are a team that has changed a lot since their last Leinster final win in 1998, with a number of the established stars of that year - Christy Byrne (long-term injury) and Willie McCreery (retired), for example - no longer around. And maybe people felt that they were due to enter a time of regeneration but I think what has happened is that the younger players of that era have stepped up and that Mick O'Dwyer has filled in the gaps astutely.

I am delighted to see Dermot Earley back on form after his illness and am convinced he will develop into one of the players of this generation. Karl O'Dwyer looks set to come back in and GlenRyan's role, though not as all-consuming as four years ago, remains important to the squad.

They came through two tough games, hit Offaly for three goals in the replay and are strong and athletic. In a way, they have been around the block. And Padraic Brennan, a player I think could do damage in the open spaces of Croke Park, has been unable to keep his place so they have a lot in reserve.

For Dublin, Paul Curran's experience helps but Peader Andrews has a bit of an adjustment to make at centre back now. It is a shame for Johnny Magee that he is out and it could alter the shape of what was a very successful Dublin defence last time out. But to be able to call on a guy of Curran's stature says a lot about Dublin.

I can't see either team running away it with it. The performances of Dermot Earley and Ciarán Whelan are central to this and also Paddy Christie's duel with Martin Lynch will be vital. Dublin may have an edge with Ray Cosgrove up front.

On balance, I would favour Dublin slightly. You can't underestimate the impact of the ground itself on the players - Croke Park has changed significantly and is wonderful but perhaps intimidating also. Dublin took to it famously against Meath while it will be new to Kildare. And the belief and encouragement that win will have given what is a young team will stand to them. But it will be narrow and no great surprise, to be honest, if Kildare tilted it the other way.

Most importantly, for neutrals, it will be an intriguing game. The 2000 final gives this game a recent context and after tomorrow's final, there will be the definite sense that the championship is entering its climactic phase.

In an interview with Keith Duggan