'We are certainly under no illusions about how difficult the task ahead of us is'

NFL DIV 2 PREVIEW Lavin insists no one is looking back at last year's loss to Monaghan

Seamus Lavin has made a real impact since returning to action for Meath at the start of the year. He has been a key component for the Royals full back line in a side that now has a real chance to push on for promotion to the NFL Div 1, writes Tom Gannon.

In advance of Meath's clash with Monaghan this weekend, the 30-year-old St Peter's star spoke to members of the media at Bective Stud on Monday.

Lavin is under no illusion that this weekend's game against Monaghan will be a big test for the Royals but he and his teammates are looking forward to the challenge that awaits them.

"It is a really big game and we are certainly under no illusions about how difficult the task ahead of us is against Monaghan. They have some fantastic players and it's going to be a really good gauge of whether we are going to be ready to step up to division one or not. These are the games that you want to be playing in though."

Monaghan ended the Royals' journey in the All-Ireland SFC in 2024, but Lavin says that the team are not discussing that defeat last summer in any great detail ahead of this weekend.

"We haven't spoken a massive amount about that game last year. I watched it from a spectator's point of view and it was probably over well before the final whistle. The Meath lads only really got going towards the end and made a bit of a game of it. Last year's game was different. There were different rules, different set-ups, different players involved so we haven't really spoken about it in great detail."

This weekend, Meath have the benefit of having a coach who knows Monaghan football very well. Martin Corey assisted his brother Vinny during his time in charge of the Farney army. Lavin was keen to praise Corey and Tyrone's Joe McMahon for their impact on the side.

"Joe McMahon and Martin Corey have been brilliant. They have serious footballing brains. Every week they challenge us and I think you can see that evidence in our games. It has brought a freshness to the whole thing. At the crux of it, they are winners. I'm getting used to that Ulster accent now as well and it's becoming a familiar accent at training listening to the shouts and roars of the lads. They have been two serious additions."

Lavin also spoke highly of Robbie Brennan's managerial style and the way he rewards players who are playing well. He also says that it creates a competitive environment and that no starting player can get comfortable in their jersey.

"Robbie is the kind of manager who gives the chance to the guy who is putting his hand up and playing well. If you were to ask anyone on the team right now if they are settled in their jersey, they will probably say no. You are only really one bad performance away from losing your spot. To be a high-performing unit, that's the way it has to be. I am happy to have the jersey for now, but I know I have to bring my best to even every training session to hold onto it."

When asked about Robbie Brennan's comments on the new rules after the Westmeath game, Lavin had a slightly opposing view.

"I think everyone is going to have their own opinion of the new rules. For me, I like a lot of the rules. They are a step in the right direction in terms of evolving the game. I feel Robbie's frustration, there has been a lot of ambiguity. However I think we have to look at the bigger picture, sports evolve and we are seeing that now." said Lavin.

"Playing in the full-back line under new rules is exciting. It highlights the art of defending and you are put in a lot of one-on-one situations. There still is an emphasis on defensive shape and defending as a team, however, you have to be able to win your own battle. With the adjustments to the new rules incoming, there are going to be even more individual battles because the attackers won't have that outlet to go back to the 'keeper. It's you against your man and they have to take you on."

Meath's performance levels dipped slightly in their last game against Westmeath and Lavin admits that the team was not that pleased with how they played that day.

"It will be up to us to decide how we respond to the way we performed against Westmeath. Maybe it will be beneficial to us, maybe not. We weren't happy with the way we played in that game but Westmeath were good as well and they did their homework.

"We were glad to get the win. I can't tell you how many times I have been in Westmeath's shoes over the years where we played well but came away with nothing. It's nice for a change to be on the other side of that for once, but we will take the learnings from that game and hopefully carry them forward."

Speaking about what specifically Meath can learn from that game against their neighbours, Lavin said

"I think for the start of the league campaign we were doing quite well on kick-outs but we got a bit cleaned out the last day against Westmeath. It's great to have the aerial advantage but you have to be able to win it on the ground as well and we probably need to improve in that sense."