Glentoran legend Paul Leeman admits there is "such a buzz" around East Belfast as this season's title race gathers pace - even his postman has a spring in his step.
With just 14 games remaining the Glens remain firmly in the hunt for a first Gibson Cup success in 13 years.
Leeman was captain the last time the Oval club lifted the Holy Grail of Irish League football in 2009, with a final day win over Cliftonville securing the famous trophy for Alan McDonald's side.
It has been over a decade of hurt since then for the Mersey Street giants, but belief is growing that 2022 could be their year to rewrite the history books.
Sitting just one point behind Linfield, Leeman believes the Glens "won't have a better chance" to lift the title.
"They are really right in the title mix," Leeman told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"The last three fixtures they've had against Cliftonville, Crusaders and Coleraine were all massive.
"People said this would be a big test of their credentials and they passed it with flying colours.
"There is a buzz around the Oval, the crowds are up and the players must be full of confidence.
"They've so much strength in depth and in a fantastic position. They will never have a better chance, but they are still fighting it out with Linfield.
"And it gets a bit boring every year, but if you are going to win the league you have to finish above Linfield."
Recalling that day in 2009 when he lifted the Gibson Cup in front of a packed Oval, Leeman admits he never envisaged the drought that would follow.
"For a club like Glentoran and the history of success it has enjoyed, you never thought it would be as long as this," he said.
"But you look at what happened over the next decade with Linfield winning, Cliftonville coming to the fore and Crusaders who won a few league titles. The Glens were never really in the mix.
"It is only the last couple of seasons where they had the change of ownership and the resources and finances, and Mick McDermott is an excellent coach and manager, and they are now challenging again for the league title.
"There is such a buzz around East Belfast and the Oval this season, and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to go on and put it to bed.
"It is too long for a club like Glentoran not to win the league."
Tuesday's late win against Coleraine was further evidence of Glentoran's title hunger this season.
Conor McMenamin's 89th-minute goal earned Mick McDermott's side a crucial 2-1 win at the Oval, while in North Belfast their two nearest rivals were playing out a 2-2 draw.
Expectation is building in East Belfast, and Leeman says he has noticed it in the stands and also on the streets around the Oval.
Even his postman is delivering the mail with more gusto...
Leeman said: "At this moment in time, you'd have to say they are favourites with the squad they have. There is just such a buzz.
"Even my postman, he is buzzing around in the morning now. He is a Glenman. For about 10 years there he was the slowest postman, now he is the fastest in East Belfast.
"So that shows you the buzz around the place, and now the team has to deliver."
He added: "It feels like it could go to the wire. The games are so close. They are hinging maybe on a referee's decision or a last-minute goal. They are so competitive.
"Cliftonville have been superb this season. I didn't think they would have sustained the pressure on the Big Two and tremendous credit goes to paddy McLaughlin, his coaching staff and players.
"They do an extra night's training and the players have bought into what they want to do. They are doing their bit to compete with the full-time clubs.
"They are making the title race really interesting, as are Crusaders who are on the outside but just can't find that consistency. And Larne have fallen a bit off the title race and have work to do.
"But if we still have three, possibly four teams, in the mix come the split it will be brilliant."
