As Adelaide Lightning begins grand final preparations, coach Chris Lucas praises the team as having a special bond

As Adelaide Lightning players return to training in the lead up to their first grand final appearance since 2008, coach Chris Lucas reveals the special team spirit among the players.

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AFTER a weekend break from the court, Adelaide Lightning returned to training on Monday morning to prepare for Saturday’s opening game of their three-match grand final series against the UC Capitals.

Head coach Chris Lucas said the side — which beat Melbourne Boomers on Thursday to advance to its first championship series since 2008 — would use this week to soak up the special atmosphere.

Adelaide Lightning players celebrate beating Melbourne Boomers — and making it into the grand final series — last week. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“Coaches always say they try to keep things normal, but it’s not normal; it’s grand final and I want them to enjoy the week, but also that when it’s game time be ready to go,” he said.

“I’ve said to the girls just try and keep things as normal as possible, (but) I want them excited, I want them to enjoy what they’ve worked hard to get to and it’s important they do.

“We say it’s a normal week, but it’s not, it’s championship week coming up and we’re heading to a very hostile environment in Canberra against a high-quality team and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Lucas said this particular Lightning side — including imports Kayla Alexander and Nia Coffey — had a special team spirit that wasn’t always easy to find.

“I’ve been very, very fortunate to coach a lot of teams, but this particular team, they get along very well,” he said.

“I didn’t feel like we had it completely right last year, but I’ve recruited the right personalities. (Nicole) Seekamp and (Steph) Blicavs have done amazing jobs as co-captains, they both bring different dynamics to the group.

“Steph in particular keeps me very grounded and sometimes they get a bit grumpy with me, but that’s OK.

“They’re a good group to coach, a fun group to coach … I want to win as much as they do, but they do a good job of keeping the balance and shared responsibility across the group.”

As the team prepares to fly to Canberra on Friday afternoon for game one, Lucas identified Capitals players including Opals Kelsey Griffin (whom he predicts will win the WNBL’s MVP accolade), Marianna Tolo and Leilani Mitchell playing alongside Canadian international Kia Nurse and experienced point guard Kelly Wilson as the key players to contain.

“They’re a very deep team and they’ve got a lot of experience, we’re preparing the best way we can to make it a great grand final series,” he said.

“They’re a highly talented team and very experienced team, but you’re there with a chance and we feel like we match up with them.”