Pre-season, the side was optimistic after a brutal preparation from strength and conditioning coach Brynley Abad and ten games in, the Firebirds have produced on that optimism with just percentage separating them from top spot with three regular rounds remaining.

After falling to the Melbourne Vixens by 11 goals last season's grand final, their second straight runner-up finish, the Firebirds dropped their season opener to the West Coast Fever.

Since then the Firebirds have beaten the Vixens in both their match ups, part of a run in which a draw with the NSW Swifts is the closest they have come to another defeat and, speaking after Sunday's second win against the defending premiers, coach Roselee Jencke said it was a growing maturity that had proved the difference.

"I think one of the leaders just said we always felt like today that we had the game in control and we had the belief that no matter what that we would be able to win," she said.

"I think that's a sign of maturity that has grown from the beginning of the season through to now."

Former basketballer Gretel Tippett has become a formidable goal attack pairing with shooter Romelda Aiken and has claimed the points in battles against some of the competition's seasoned defenders, most recently Vixens and Diamonds goal defender Bianca Chatfield.

The emergence of Tippett, who was an invitee to last week's Australian Diamonds camp, has been just one sign of the growing depth of the Firebirds.

Former Vixen, wing attack Caitlyn Nevins has snatched her starting opportunity in the absence of incumbent Verity Simmons, while veteran goal defender Bec Bulley has been a crucial injection off the bench.

With the possibility of a second championship in as many years, Nevins said the Firebirds' confidence was vital on their run home.

"We are in a really good mental state but we do believe in one another and we know what our strengths are and we play to our strengths," she said.

"There have been quite a few tough games but not for one moment have I thought we were going to lose, so I guess it's that really strong belief that we have as a playing group it's really shone through."

Firebirds' run to the finals:

Adelaide Thunderbirds (A)
Tactix (A)
Southern Steel (H)