They may have ended the campaign with nothing to show for it but this has been an excellent season for the Dons.
Two cup finals and a another second-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership proves the Dons are clearly the best of the rest behind treble-winning Celtic.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes must now prepare for his busiest transfer window since his first summer in charge at Pittodrie with Ryan Jack, Niall McGinn and Peter Pawlett among those leaving, and others may follow.
There will be a completely different look to the squad at the start of next season, but if McInnes can upgrade again then the Dons can build on this campaign rather than this being as good as it gets.
A more than adequate substitute for Jack has already been secured up in Greg Tansey.
The Caley Thistle midfielder may not maintain possession as efficiently as the former Dons captain, but is a greater attacking threat and will provide far more goals and assists.
Replacing a quality match-winner such as McGinn will be the toughest task of all, but Hull City’s Shaun Maloney and Celtic’s Gary Mackay-Steven would be useful additions.
Not surprisingly, McInnes’ work at Pittodrie has not gone unnoticed with Sunderland the latest English club linked with the Aberdeen manager, but there is still much to achieve if he remains at the helm next term.
McInnes will want to add to his solitary trophy, the 2014 League Cup, while reaching the Europa League group stages remains a hugely difficult but not insurmountable target.
Will Aberdeen remain Scottish football’s second force next season?
They should.
The jury is still out on Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha and Hearts appear to be going backwards at a rapid rate under Ian Cathro.
Celtic will strengthen, but the chances of a second unbeaten domestic season are highly unlikely.
Aberdeen ran them mighty close during Saturday’s Scottish Cup final and had Kenny McLean managed to convert his chance in the second half then it could have been a completely different outcome.
It was a spirited and plucky display from the Dons, even though it ultimately ended in such disappointment.
Supporters should feel hugely encouraged by what they have been served this season, but the best may be yet to come.
Progress, however, also depends on a new training complex.
But, in the short term, further improvement can be made and silverware is there to be won.
Focus has been on those who will leave, but Joe Lewis, Graeme Shinnie and Adam Rooney will still be there next season, and hopefully Jonny Hayes and Kenny McLean as well.
That is a strong foundation for another excellent season.
If McInnes leaves during the summer then all bets are off. If he stays then happier Hampden memories could be just around the corner.