Warner 'still the best by a country mile' as he leads Thunder to BBL final

In unpacking how Sydney Thunder transformed from BBL laughing stock to finals force, it is impossible to overstate the influence of the "ball of energy" that is David Warner.

Thunder didn't just collect the wooden spoon in the previous season, they snatched it with eagle-like precision in a miserable one-win campaign.

On Monday night, they tackle Hobart Hurricanes with a golden chance to add to the club's one title that was won by Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson and Michael Hussey in 2016.

Warner was on Thunder's books the past two seasons, memorably arriving for an SCG derby via helicopter after his brother's wedding in the Hunter Valley, but a bit-part player because of national-team commitments. This summer, the 38-year-old has been the face of the franchise and the BBL.

Warner has captained Thunder, after Cricket Australia overturned his leadership ban emanating from the ball-tampering scandal, scored a league-best 357 runs and looked a man on a mission at every turn.

"He puts bums on seats and I'm convinced he is still the best player in the tournament by a country mile," Thunder star Sam Billings said. "This is coming from an Englishman, but you can see why he's been one of the best players in the last 15 years in this format. He is incredible.

"Unbelievable talent. But the way he thinks about the game as well. And his attitude with getting in the game and that energy, it's infectious ... everyone who steps out onto the field with him, you're a foot taller."

The return of Billings, who produced a match-winning knock in Friday night's derby Challenger final, and other roster rejigs from new general manager Trent Copeland have helped fuel the turnaround.

But Warner's passion and words of wisdom, and the knock-on effects throughout Thunder's squad, have been profound during an injury crisis.

Jason Sangha, who captained Thunder when they were bowled out for a record low of 15 in 2022-23, is one example.

Sangha first picked Warner's brain while playing grade cricket together in 2018-19, when the latter had a full summer with Randwick Petersham during his year-long ban from international and domestic cricket. On Friday night, Sangha made a seamless return from injury in a 29-run opening stand with Warner.

"Davey has been great with all the guys, he's always helping us get better," Sangha told AAP. "It's pretty cool getting to go out there and bat with someone like him.

"I remember I had a Kaboom when I was young, it was one of my first cricket bats. So it's great seeing Davey go about his business and just learn a lot. He's just a ball of energy."

Warner's men have won consecutive knock-out finals, with different players stepping up at key moments in both matches.

"He's been encouraging everyone - whether it's bat, ball or field - to always be brave," Sangha said. "Take the game on and back yourself. And from a captaincy point of view, he's tactically very intelligent. He does some different things and he's quite aggressive, takes risks and it just rubs off on the rest of the group."