With little success in past seasons the Tigers have gone for a mix of experience and youth to harness a winning squad.
Team manager Scott Gargoura said Victorian Institute of Sport head coach Dalibor Maslan took over the women's team six months ago and has looked to create more depth in the squad.
"We are steering away from relying just on the stars and are instead playing a full team game where no one is left on the bench," Gargoura said.
The arrival of U.S import Kristine Kunkel, who won silver with the American team at the Beijing Olympics, as well as the 150th game milestones for three players has also been a benefit.
"Jade (Hanson), Allison (Van Ommen) and Charlotte (Banks) all played 150 this year and we are set to have two more during the finals, which has given us a great boost each time.
While the fresh approach has been greatly welcomed, the new experience hasn't been easy for all with Serbian born Maslan having to adjust to the differences of coaching his first ever women's team.
"It has been tough for him coming from a European nation and adjusting to a girls team compared to the men," Gargoura said.
The Tigers face the Longmont Fremantle Marlins and Brisbane Barracudas in their first two matches and will look to Australian Stingers goalkeeper Victoria Brown for inspiration. Brown is making just her third appearance for the year after returning from an off-season leg injury.
Defending champions, the Victorian Tigers men's team will make it a two pronged attack for the club as they attempt to be the first team to win back to back titles since Sydney Uni in 2003.
After finishing fourth on the ladder they will have to overcome the first ranked Fremantle Mariners and sixth ranked KFC Queensland Breakers to avoid a sudden death elimination final.
The finals series will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre at Homebush with competition starting on Tuesday May 3 and finishing on Saturday May 7.
