Meath might be motivated by a lack of credit as they look to drive on in 2026, according to RTÉ pundit Peter Canavan.
In 2025 the Royals managed a first championship win over their neighbours Dublin in 15 years and, although they lost the provincial decider to Louth, they did progress further than any other Leinster county in reaching the All-Ireland semi-finals.
In that game against Donegal, they were ultimately outclassed, losing by 10 points.
Despite this, however, Canavan reckons that Meath haven't been given their dues in some of the National League previews ahead of the new year.
"They're playing like a team that didn't quite - or feel as if they didn't - get the credit that they deserved for their performances and for some of their victories last year," he said on the RTÉ GAA Podcast.
"A lot of people are saying they'll struggle. Even prior to the start of the league, the Division Two contenders for promotion, in a lot of people's estimation that was Tyrone and Derry.
"That's despite the fact that Meath got to an All-Ireland semi-final last year playing really good football."
Meath started their competitive season at Croke Park on Saturday, recovering from a slow start to see off Derry.
And Canavan, who won two All-Irelands as a player, was impressed by the display, which he says show the many strings which the Royals have to their bow.
"They were slow to get settled, they gave away a very careless goal to Derry, but after that it was a really dominant performance." he acknowledged.
"We expect physicality from Meath, and it was there in abundance, but there's quality to their play, as well.
"(Jordan) Morris in particular up front, the score that he got with the outside of his boot against the breeze for a two-pointer in the second half was unbelievable.
"They have players who are capable, potential match winners, so they appear to be in a very good position.
"They need to back up last year's good championship, absolutely, but they appear to be on course to do that."
Meath are set to visit neighbours Cavan in their next game on Sunday afternoon.
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