The Scottish Premiership has reached the midway point - and what a season it has been so far.
For the first time since Aberdeen in 1993 a team other than Celtic or Rangers will be leading the table heading into the new year.
Hearts will start 2026 three points clear of Celtic at the top of the standings after a stunning first half of the campaign, while an impressive Motherwell side are also in the mix sitting just two points behind third-placed Rangers.
The halfway mark feels like a natural point to reflect on who the stand out players have been over the opening round of fixtures.
Unsurprisingly Hearts players feature heavily in our team of the season so far, while Celtic and Rangers, who usually dominate any best XI compilations, can only muster one representative each amid turbulent times for both Old Firm clubs.
Here is our Scottish Premiership team of the season so far, lined up in a 4-4-2 formation...
5. DC: Stuart Findlay - Hearts
The on-loan Oxford United defender has been one of the most effective players in the league in both boxes. Not only has he been part of a sturdy Hearts defence - Saturday's derby defeat at Easter Road aside - he has also popped up with four Premiership goals including the opener in the recent 2-1 win over Rangers. | SNS Group
6. CM: Cameron Devlin - Hearts
The dynamo at the heart of Hearts' title challenge, the Australian midfielder has won possession back for his side more than any other player in the league. 50 completed tackles is 20 more than the nearest player. If he keeps up this form it would seem a major oversight if he isn't selected for the Socceroos World Cup squad next summer. | SNS Group
7. CM: Elliot Watt - Motherwell
Anyone who has watched Motherwell this season raves about the performances of the 25-year-old. And his masterclass midfield performance in the 2-0 win over Celtic on Tuesday showed why. Has received more man of the match awards (6) than any other Premiership player and has the highest passing accuracy of any midfielder in the division (76.8 per cent). Steve Clarke take note... | SNS Group
8. MR: Benjamin Nygren - Celtic
You simply cannot argue with the Swede's stats. While he can drift in and out of games, 10 goal contributions (eight goals and two assists) point to one of the league's most potent players in the final third. A summer steal for Celtic at £1.7m from Nordsjælland, he has been one of the few success stories the club have had in the transfer market of late. | SNS Group