They have been looking for more than three months, but a record of one win from 11 games suggests they need to look harder.
They go searching again tonight in a bottom-of-the-ladder clash against the Force in the Western Australian capital.
The Highlanders are 15th, dead last, while three points above them, in 14th place, is the Force.
So, nerves should not be any problem for either side. Playoff dreams have long since evaporated.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the side was not motivated about winning a cellar-dweller clash but more about showing some integrity, and putting together a top effort.
''It is about us putting together a quality performance and playing for the whole 80 minutes. Not for 20 minutes, or 10 minutes or five minutes,'' Joseph said.
''We've had only one of those this year, against the Sharks, so we need to get that right.''
Joseph has been hammering away all year about the need to take any chances which come along. Looking at the Highlanders backline tonight, surely the points must come.
Ma'a Nonu will team up with Tamati Ellison in the midfield for the first time this season and they have the likes of Ben Smith and Hosea Gear outside them.
That is some attacking arsenal but the way this season has been tracking, who knows what is going to happen?
The Highlanders should score plenty but logic seems to have disappeared with this team this season.
The Force is a grinding sort of side and has not been completely disgraced in any game. It ran the Chiefs close a couple of weeks ago - in fact, was unlucky to lose - and it does the basics well.
Although it is starting to sound like a stuck record, the Highlanders simply must do the basics well and convert the opportunities when they come along.
With the season long gone, Joseph has decided to freshen up his side and has given younger players a chance to show their abilities.
Energetic hooker Liam Coltman comes into the side and skipper Andrew Hore moves to the bench.
The Highlanders front row also has a change on either side. Chris King is back in New Zealand and is replaced by Ma'afu Fia, while Tony Woodcock comes back into the team at loosehead prop.
Josh Bekhuis is fit again after a knock to the shoulder and returns to the side alongside Brad Thorn, who will captain the team.
TJ Ioane goes to the blindside flank and will provide plenty of go-forward. Mose Tuiali'i continues at No 8.
In the backs, Hayden Parker will get another start at first five-eighth with Nonu outside him. Talented youngster Jason Emery gets a start on the right wing.
After a bit of rain floating around Perth this week, the weather is expected to be fine for the clash tonight.
History is not on the side of the Highlanders as their last win over the Force was way back in 2007. The sides did not play last year due to the vagaries of the Super 15 draw.
