Premiers for three consecutive seasons, City have not crowned that domestic dominance with the championship they crave.
Michael Matricciani's side get another chance when they host Wellington at AAMI Park in Saturday's grand final, before turning their attention to an AFC Women's Champions League semi-final.
City have won all eight previous meetings with the Phoenix, including both home-and-away encounters this season, and will start warm favourites in the decider.
But Wellington's English coach Bev Priestman believes her team - which has scored more and conceded fewer goals than any side in the league this season - is perfectly placed to cause an upset.
"I love being an underdog ... I think it helps you," Priestman said.
"It lets you come out and swing a little bit, and it's better to be chasing than being the one chased.
"But they're a great side, they've got a rich history in this league and we definitely respect them."
Perennial title contenders City have won the championship four times - though not since 2020 - to go with their five premierships, while Wellington are in their first finals series in their fifth season in the competition.
The Phoenix, who play their 100th ALW fixture in the decider, are also breaking new ground as the first New Zealand team - women or men - to reach an A-Leagues grand final.
"This club deserves this moment. It's five years in the making," Priestman said.
"We have to go in and enjoy the moment, but not enjoy it too much.
"We have to stick to the process and stick to the things that have got us here, but at the same time I think when we enjoy ourselves is when we play our best football."
Win or lose, City's post-match plans involve a short celebration of the ALW season before a night at an airport hotel and a 7.25am flight on Sunday to South Korea, where they take on Tokyo Verdy Beleza.
But City captain Rebekah Stott dismissed concerns the Champions League will be a distraction for her side.
"We want to win but we're focused on this game, and after this we'll focus on the Asian Champions League," Stott said.
"I don't think it's hanging over our heads.
"Obviously we want to do that (win the treble) and it would be amazing, but we're not letting that end-goal dictate how we're feeling."
Stott, a New Zealand international, has admired what Phoenix have done for the women's game in her home country.
But she is desperate to deny them a maiden title as City attempt to make amends for near-misses in recent seasons, which included crashing out in a semi-final against eventual champions Central Coast Mariners last year.
"It would be amazing to win this game," Stott said.
"It would mean a lot after the heartbreak of last season and not getting there, but we're using that as motivation to really take it to them this game.
"I think the pressure's on both teams.
"Obviously we've been in this situation a few times, but we've also had a lot of pressure on us throughout the whole season, so I think we're good at dealing with it."
16°C