For years, we've been questioning, valuing, appraising, whether the Wolves are ready to be part of the A-League.
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For years the answer has been no, then not yet, then maybe, then not right now, then no again, then look, be patient, your time will come.
The sentiment seems to have shifted, the discussion increasingly often in reverse.
When is a National Second Division, in whatever form now the A-League expansion door has snapped shut, going to be ready for the Wolves?
The gatekeepers are fiddling, pre-occupied with funding models and competition structures.
A European Champions League knockout style competition - like the NPL finals series the Wolves won in 2019, to gain direct entry into the FFA Cup round of 32 - is mooted.
It looms as a low-budget alternative to creating a genuinely national second-tier competition, plus the kind of proper promotion and relegation structure clubs like the Wolves crave.
A knockout competition - as opposed a sustainable second division - would put NPL clubs at a significant disadvantage in terms of competing in the A-League.
Even with a salary cap, flash-in-the-pan campaigns would thrive and inevitably flame out, those developing long-term strategies discouraged.
Of course, the world's economies are resetting as Covid vaccines allow new doors to open for business and travel.
Sporting industries like football in Australia have been counting pennies as well.
When is a National Second Division, in whatever form now the A-League expansion door has snapped shut, going to be ready for the Wolves?
But then, the NRL are still pushing ahead with a second team in Brisbane and the NBL will have a team in Tasmania next year.
And sure, the A-League has already expanded its footprint, both Melbourne's Western United and outer Sydney's Macarthur have been relatively successful in their infancy.
Now the huge catchment areas are established - and alternatives like Southern Expansion on the scrapheap - the time for organic growth and introducing powerful old NSL bases like the Wolves is at hand.
However, there's only so many times this region can host Wellington, or Sydney FC, or the Matildas, or the A-League All Stars, or Iraq, or an FFA Cup game, without being rewarded.
Wolves officials are at the table discussing the National Second Division introduction and how it will look.
Even they're as confused and uncertain as anyone about what will happen next and when.
Surely the remarkable rise of Central Coast Mariners, once at threat of folding before the A-League season kicked off and now on top of the ladder, shows the potential for clubs like the Wolves.
The Phoenix - based in Wollongong due to Covid travel restrictions - have been wonderful guests in this region, they've embraced the Illawarra. The Wolves-inspired kit they're wearing on Sunday will melt the heart of even the most hardened football tragic.
So on Sunday, when Football Australia officials are sitting down to watch the Phoenix-Perth and Wolves-Manly double-header at a sun-drenched, seaside WIN Stadium, the question is simple.
If the Wolves are ready, when will you be?
DOUBLE-HEADER
Sunday
WIN Stadium
A-League (4.05pm)
WELLINGTON PHOENIX v PERTH GLORY
NSW National Premier League (1pm)
WOLLONGONG WOLVES v MANLY UNITED
