James Horan reckons Mayo should have hammered Kerry by 10 to 12 points in yesterday's Division 1 decider at Croke Park.
But he believes the victory could be "a springboard" for a successful summer as Mayo go chasing the ultimate prize again - the Sam Maguire Cup.
The 3-11 to 2-10 victory earned Mayo their first national silverware since they last won the league 18 years ago.
"I think it’s big," said Horan. "I think that game today, if we were as effective as we should be, we could’ve won by 10 to 12 points, to be honest.
"We just about got over the line."
Mayo keeper Rob Hennelly pulled off a point-blank save from David Clifford with two minutes left to prevent Kerry taking the lead in an exciting contest.
Just moments earlier, Mayo talisman Aidan O'Shea had been sent off. But Ciaran Tracey's goal at the other end sealed the victory.
"I’m sure a bit of nerves came into it but to win one is significant for that group, there’s no question about that," added Horan.
"It might be a springboard if we use it correctly".
Mayo 3-11 Kerry 2-10: Three second-half goals see Mayo triumph in Division 1 decider
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