Now they are just one more win away from reaching the peak.
The South Island-based side will play the Falcons in the final of the Premier Hockey League in Auckland tonight.
They will start as favourites, having set the benchmark during the round-robin games.
They won five of their six games. Their only defeat was a 4-3 shootout loss to the Falcons in round three.
They did beat the Falcons 6-1 in the opening round in Dunedin.
The Falcons have strengthened their side since that opening round loss, but the Alpiners have got stronger as well.
Experienced Black Sticks defender Kane Russell joined the squad last week.
He replaced Joe Morrison, who was ruled out with a hand injury earlier in the campaign.
Russell has more than 200 international caps and is one of the best drag flick proponents in the world.
Bringing in a player of his calibre just before the final would normally be considered controversial.
"We think it's fantastic," Ford said.
"A big purpose of the league is to have our best players on show and playing in our league and trying to drive this competition up.
"The only way to do that is to get the best players playing.
"And you see that across the league with a number of players coming in late from Europe.
"Kane was slightly different. He had some injuries post the Olympics that he was dealing with and it was hard for him to commit.
"But he was in New Zealand and was still in contact with us. He was training locally, and it was just an easy decision."
Russell’s passing game, aerial skills and experience are a big boost for the Alpiners.
Black Sticks striker Sam Lane has been in tremendous touch up front and his potency in front of goal is a huge asset.
He has been ably backed-up by the versatile Gus Nelson.
Otago’s Patrick Ward has been influential in the midfield and Malachi Buschl, also from Otago, has been "our rock in the middle of the pitch and probably one of the fittest guys in the country", Ford said.
"His decision-making is just so clear."
Defender Benji Culhane has been dubbed the fireman by Ford. The Southlander has a roving commission. It is his role to dampen down hot spots.
"He's kind of like the guy who connects the group defensively in there and mops up when needs to."
Former Black Sticks captain Blair Tarrant and goalie Louis Beckert have had a huge impact as well.
The Alpiners women finished last in the round-robin and will play in the bronze medal match against the Mavericks.
They were more competitive than their lowly position suggests, and actually beat the Mavericks twice, though one of those wins was via shootout.
Coach Chris Leslie said the team’s main issue had been converting their goal-scoring opportunities.
"I think we’ve been very, very competitive in all the matches," Leslie said.
"Our major concern or issue, if you like, has been scoring goals.
"When I look back on it, if we'd just picked up one more win, even in that game in Dunedin where we dominated, [we would have made the final]."
The Alpiners lost 3-0 to the Falcons in the opening round in Dunedin but had the better of the game for long periods.
The Falcons and the Tridents will contest the women’s final.
