Is the Premiers Plate race already over?
According to Perth Glory players, the answer is a firm no.
Glory are in the box seat to win the Premiers Plate given they sit six points clear on top of the A-League table with just six rounds remaining.
Their lead was nine points last month before back-to-back draws brought Sydney FC back into the race.
Glory are currently riding a 12-match unbeaten run - a new record for the club.
But Perth's stunning form has come at a cost - with rival teams now content to sit back and grind out draws.
Glory midfielder Neil Kilkenny has noticed the difference, and said it made it harder for his team to secure wins.
"Every game now is becoming harder," Kilkenny said.
"We've found that over the past four, five, six games that teams are happy with a draw against us.
"Even when we go away from home now teams are happy with draws.
"They look to stop us from playing, instead of actually looking to play themselves. That's what we have to deal with at the top of the league."
Glory's next challenge is against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Adelaide are on a four-match winless run, but sit just goal difference adrift of fourth-placed Wellington.
Glory are the only team yet to lose away from home this season, posting six wins and four draws from their 10 games on the road.
Coach Tony Popovic said that undefeated record had given the group confidence.
And he said the players were well aware that they now had a target on their back.
"It's normal that in any code when you play the top team, you always want to lift and give that little bit more," Popovic said.
"We have to be prepared for that. We should also enjoy the fact that that's how we're viewed by opponents."
Kilkenny will be sporting a new hair-do for Friday's game after participating in the World's Greatest Shave to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Australian Associated Press
