After defeating Laois in the 2023 semi-finals of the Tailteann Cup, Down lost the decider to Meath, who went on to lift the silverware and earn promotion to the All-Ireland series.
Laverty admits his side were “disappointed” with the 2023 final but will aim to bounce back in Saturday’s decider.
“In the second half Meath were the better side,” Laverty added.
“It’s great to be back and we’re looking forward to trying to get to that performance level one again.”
Laverty also credited Laois manager former Armagh All-Ireland winning defender Justin McNulty, who took over as manager in 2023.
“You can definitely see his style in the way Laois are playing and how much improvement they have made, even from last year,” Laverty added.
“He came from an Armagh side who were great in their defence, so you can see that style of play. They are going to be very well set up and hard to break down.
Down reached the final by defeating 14-man Sligo after extra-time in Dublin.
Laverty added that he has a “full bill of health” for his squad for the final.
