With a third of the season almost wrapped up, there is precious little to choose between the teams. Only two points separate top spot from seventh and the gap between first and 10th is only seven points.

Central Coast are fourth going into their round nine clash with Sydney FC but could yet end the weekend top of the pile if results go their way.

"At the start of the season maybe everyone got a little bit carried away with the Gold Coast but you get injuries, suspensions and things can change," McKinna told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Things are pretty even at the moment but I get the feeling that it won't stay that way all the way through.

"I think in the next month you will begin to see it change a bit and that a few of the teams will start to kick away a little bit while others drop off.

"Clearly we're hoping to be one of those teams that kicks away."

McKinna's immediate challenge is trying to build on last week's draw in Wellington with the Mariners travelling to face Sydney FC on Monday.

The Bluetongue boss added: "We've had some great games with Sydney FC since the A-League started. There have been some real nail-biters in there.

"We're looking forward to it. They have made a good start to the season as well. We know they have players that can hurt you but we're going there with confidence."