For so long, Caversham and Dunedin Technical scooping silverware has been the norm, but now there is at least the possibility of a change at the top.
Traditional favourites have already stumbled, as when Technical lost 2-1 to Roslyn-Wakari last week. And it has been a long time since Caversham's form read two wins from its last five matches.
Today's main game at the Caledonian Ground, between second-top Mosgiel and Caversham, two points behind, could be another pivotal match-up.
Mosgiel lost to Technical early in the season and drew with Roslyn, but has since built a four-match winning run, playing patterned football with no real stars.
Top scorers, on four goals, are Morgan Day and Jordan Sweeney.
Mosgiel is resolute in defence, led by keeper Andrew James and emerging defenders Matt Brook and Tom Bekkers, has a hard-working midfield, pace on the flanks and the confidence to get numbers forward into the opposition's penalty area.
Caversham stumbled to a 1-1 draw last week against the Spirit on the artificial turf in Invercargill, where Darren Overton's goal took the talented midfielder to 12 goals, behind Golden Boot aspirant Aaron Burgess, who has 16.
Yet Caversham's first-choice XI is still capable of tearing opposition sides apart if crisp early passes are hit, and the runs of Hamish Chan, Harley Rodeka and Ant Hancock are found.
Roslyn plays University, and the question is whether Roslyn can repeat the excellent form of last week.
University is sure to make things difficult, even after last week's abandoned game when Delan Mahlagwai had to be taken to hospital. The player is now recovering well.
The students are not lacking in skill, and if Yannik Wouts, Josh Groom and Brazilian keeper Dan Bocatios hit top form it will be an even contest.
At Sunnyvale, Green Island may feel the backlash from Technical after its loss last week. Also hoping for home advantage to pay off is Northern, which hosts Queenstown at the Gardens ground. Out at Ocean Grove, the underperforming Grants Braes will aim for a win over the Spirit.
