The Reds hold a six point buffer atop the competition on 21 points ahead of Brisbane Roar and Central Coast. It’s a stunning turnaround for a side that took the wooden spoon last season under coach Aurelio Vidmar and even Dodd is struggling to comprehend the dramatic change in his side’s ladder position.

“It is an amazing turnaround of fortunes,” the 30-year-old attacking midfielder told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“It’s hard to say [why] but we’ve got a new coach in Rini [Coolen] who is doing really well with the guys and the style of football we’re playing.”

Quizzed on whether the Reds – like the Socceroos under their new coach – have thrown off the shackles for a more offensive approach and Dodd is inclined to agree.

“I think it has a bit more attacking flavour to it. We had a great start and I think that confident has just snowballed.

“They say winning becomes a habit and we’ve found our winning way. At the moment we feel like we’re invincible and we play with that confidence and that mentality.”

The Reds will need all that confidence heading into this weekend’s clash with in-form Gold Coast in fourth spot.

Not only are Miron Bleiberg’s men in menacing form – unbeaten in their previous five outings – but former Reds striker Bruce Djite has bagged three goals in his last two games since signing for the yellow and blue in early September.

What’s more, Adelaide head to Gold Coast without key attacking midfielder Marcos Flores, who’s pulled his hamstring and is out for two weeks.

But the bigger picture is much rosier. A 6-3-0 record this campaign has Coolen’s side firm favourites for at least a finals berth - and possibly even a Premiers Plate by season’s end.

With this in mind, it’s rare in any competition around the world that the champions finish bottom the following season while the club on the bottom finishes top.

But with the Reds way ahead on top of the A-League and reigning champions Sydney FC winless with just four points from nine games, that rare statistic may yet still occur.

 “It certainly is very difficult to get yourself out of these ruts especially after nine games without a win," noted Dodd of Sydney's woes. "There’s no doubt they’re in a tough spot."

And for the sky blues it gets no easier with a grand final rematch against Melbourne Victory at Etihad this weekend.

“You wish them [Sydney] all the best because I’ve got a couple of mates there," said Dodd. "But at the end of the day I’m just grateful Adelaide United’s turned it around and we don’t have to worry about those sorts of things.”