One goal denied them back-to-back league titles in this Covid-19 interrupted season, but the Wolves still have unfinished business.
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It was a frantic finish on Sunday at Albert Butler Park, leading 5-2 and chasing a sixth goal in the hope of taking top spot back off Rockdale, who beat North Shore 2-1, but it wasn't to be.
Last year, when the full season played out, the Wolves captured the NPL crown and the national knockout title, but were knocked out in the finals by Sydney United.
So meeting them again in a do-or-die semi-final is the chance to make amends and there's no doubt the motivation is there for the players.
And the signs are there about the Wolves doing something special in the finals, particularly with Marcus Beattie firing home three goals against Manly.
Josh Bingham finished with two, as they lifted from a 2-all deadlock to finish in dominant fashion, a couple of late half-chances presenting themselves.
United finished with 26 goals for the season, the equal most with Sydney FC, while the Wolves had 24, so there is no shortage of attacking threat on the pitch.
In their only game this season, Sydney United won 3-1, but the Wolves have momentum with four straight wins and Thomas James back in the squad after his stint with Perth.
And there are a number of new players in this squad who weren't part of last year's success and have it all to play for.
In an 11-game sprint and after limited pre-seasons hopefully the Wolves best is still to come.