Though the versatile forward was a key component in the Bandits’ stirring conference title in 2015, it's clear that Nicholas is still hungry to go one better – the SEABL championship.

But earlier in the season, that was a prospect that looked much easier said than done.

The fortress that was the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre became the venue of some less than stellar performances as the new-look roster came to grips with each other.

In that time, Nicholas became a rock.

Utterly reliable as a defensive playmaker in last year, Nicholas was tasked with shouldering an increased offensive burden as new import Greg Mays found his feet in the competition.

Now, with Mays firing on all cylinders, developing tall Darcy Harding going from strength to strength and Jack Duck seemingly past a troublesome knee complaint, the Washington D.C. native says the Bandits have it all in front of them ahead of Friday night's preliminary final against Hobart.

“Winning against Geelong meant a lot because we did it with a different group to what we had last year,” he said.

“It's probably hard every year, but we're on our way to doing it again with a new crew, I think that's pretty impressive.

“I wouldn't say it's been difficult (helping Mays and co. develop), I had the same adjustment period as Greg did coming out of college, it's a different style of game.

“We just had to be patient with everybody and that's paying off now, we're playing our best at the right time.”

Though shaky through the regular season, it was clear that the Bandits had broken the shackles of their questionable record to score a thrilling semi-final upset against Geelong last weekend.

After twice being beaten by the Supercats during the year, Nicholas said it was satisfying to continue the club's recent winning playoffs record against their old enemy alive.

“It was big, first because it's a playoff win, and second because even before I got here there was an established rivalry.

“There's no love lost, knowing Geelong has been in the playoffs for the last 19 years or so, but we won it when it counted.

“That's all that really matters.”

Furthermore, Nicholas said their underdog status would help motivate the team ahead of their clash with the Chargers.

“At this point, people will look at our regular season record and think we probably shouldn't have even been in the playoffs,” he said.

“But it gives us an advantage, we have nothing to lose.

“I think we’re playing with a bit more freedom now, we’re playing with a bit of a different style. 

“Against the teams that have been killing it in the league throughout the year have a bit of pressure on them.

“In the second half of the season we threw all the worries we had into the wind and were able to just come out and play basketball.

“At this point, the motto is that if we gotta go down there we might as well win it.

“Given where we’re located every week we’re on the road is tough, but this time the pressure isn’t on us.” 

The preliminary final against the Chargers kicks off in Hobart at 7:30 on Friday night.