A year ago, they were preparing for a post-mortem on the equal-worst season from any BBL team in a decade. Not since the Thunder outfit of 2013-14 had a side won only one match in a BBL summer.

But led by new captain Warner, they have surged to third place on the ladder this summer with a 5-3 record, easily securing a top-four spot and knockout date with Melbourne Stars on Wednesday.

He would likely have sat atop the batting rankings if not for rain; wet weather meant the Thunder played one fewer game than the Perth Scorchers, whose star allrounder Cooper Connolly scored only five more runs. But Bayliss has noticed Warner's impact stretch beyond the playing field.

"The job he's done as captain, it's not just about his batting for example, it's his personality," he said. "He's always up for it, he's a positive character. Loud, obnoxious sometimes, but the boys love it.

"I think it's the confidence that he gives his team-mates, and their belief then that they're good enough to do the job. They're all good players, they sometimes just need that belief. Certainly I think the results have shown this year."

"People have this perception around him, but he's incredible in terms of the conversations he has with individuals and the consistent drive," Billings said. "You see why he's one of the best players in the world, still at the age of 38. I'm learning off him every day."

"The batters haven't all gelled together and gotten big partnerships," Warner said. "We talk about bowling partnerships as well, one has leaked at one end and then the other has taken wickets. We still haven't played a complete game yet, which for me is scary."