At least one Labor MP is already talking about her colleagues' portfolios with the party set to form government in NSW.
As cheers erupted at ALP headquarters in Sydney on Saturday, Penny Sharpe confirmed she would be environment minister, Daniel Mookhey would be treasurer and transport would go to Jo Haylen.
With less than 30 per cent of the vote counted, Labor looked on track to form government, either in minority of majority.
Labor deputy leader Prue Car wasn't getting too carried away.
"What we are seeing is some very positive signs," she told ABC TV.
"We made a case for change, and we have made the case for change as a team that has done the work ... talking about the issues that matter to people."
Heathcote, notionally Labor after a redistribution, was counted as an early gain for the ALP, as was the leader's marginal seat of Kogarah, where a swing of more than 10 per cent was apparent.
At 43, Mr Minns would be the youngest leader to win a NSW election since Nick Greiner in 1988, aged 40.
Party officials had earlier been cautious about talking up victory, having only formed government from opposition twice since World War II - in 1976 under Neville Wran and 1995 led by Bob Carr.
Those involved in the failed Shorten federal campaign in 2019 told AAP they were still damaged, and felt anxious as early results rolled in.
The anxiety was shared by Labor's transport spokeswoman Ms Haylen who said Labor had "a big mountain to climb."
"We've previously only won six and three to form government from opposition," she told the Seven Network.
But Labor veteran Ms Sharpe said the party, decimated in 2011, was more determined and united under leader Mr Minns.
"I've been in the Labor Party since 19 years old, in parliament for 17 years and I've never seen the united and focused purpose that Chris has built," Ms Sharpe told the ABC.
An election eve Newspoll showed Labor was clear favourite to form government.
Labor led the coalition 54.5 to 45.5 on a two-party preferred basis, a swing of 6.5 per cent on the 2019 results.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was doing his best earlier on Saturday to help turn the Liberal seat of Ryde red.
While Mr Albanese was complimentary of Premier Dominic Perrottet, he pointed to the retirement of key ministers including local MP Victor Dominello as proof the government was at the end of its life.
"It's time for a change of government. And I hope that happens today."
