A sloppy first half was enough to cruel the team's chances in their away clash with APIA Leichhardt, the Tigers leading 2-0 at the break.

The Wolves were much improved in the second half, controlling the affair through the final 45 minutes.

Read more: How far have the Dragons come? Anzac Day will provide answers

Captain Lachlan Scott cut the deficit to one in the 65th minute, however the Wolves were unable to find a late equaliser.

Wilkshire was left frustrated with the result, the first half performance not up to his high standards.

"It's very disappointing," Wilkshire said. "It was a game of two halves, the first half definitely wasn't good enough. We weren't up for the battle, it's as simple as that. They were direct, physical, aggressive, we were none of that.

"Something has to change. I don't think we've had a good first half all season and it's not good enough. It's just the basics, it wasn't about football in the first half, it was about desire, fight, winning first balls and second balls, we lost them all."

Wilkshire refused to blame the slow start on the travel up to Leichhardt or absence of key squad members, including Nikola Djordjevic and Marcus Beattie, the coach instead focusing on identifying a long-term solution.

"There are no excuses at all. Excuses are for losers, I won't have that. If players have excuses, I won't accept that. There's no excuse for not wanting to get up for a game.

"The players are blessed to be able to be part of this, to play this game. If we can't get up for games, no matter when or who it's against, it's a problem."

The Wolves have struggled throughout the season, winning just two games, with three draws. They currently sit 10th on the ladder.

The bumpy start has come as captain James Stojcevski has spent the year on the sidelines with a back injury, the midfielder ruled out for the remainder of the competition.

The NSW National Premier Leagues transfer window officially opens on Monday and closes on May 10.

With Stojcevski unavailable and Josh Alcorn recently departing to pursue an opportunity on the Gold Coast, Wilkshire is looking to add depth to his squad.

"I'm looking, of course I am," the coach said. "I'm looking for anyone who can improve the squad. I won't be going crazy about it, I'm still looking to provide opportunities for our younger players."

With a number of players departing after last season and numerous injured this year, Wilkshire has been forced to blood a number of youngsters.

That has led to mixed results, those players taking time to find their feet in the elite competition.

There have been a number of standout performances, however, with the coach praising Nav Darjani for his efforts during his starting debut on Friday night.

"Nav was probably our best on the field last night, it was fantastic to see."