The Lions have a third shot in as many years to record their maiden title, an impressive feat for a side that were the easy beats of the Super Rugby competition for so long.
From 2002 to 2014 the Lions finished in the bottom four of the competition every season including last place on five occasions. 2010 was their low when they didn't record a win, losing all 13 games and producing a points differential of −315.
"Seven or eight years ago it looked like they'd never make the top half of the competition but they have certainly come good," Stransky said.
"They've built a great culture, a great environment and a group of players who really play for each other and they're getting some good results.
"John Mitchell laid a great foundation six or seven years ago, put a lot of faith in the young players. Nurtured them, brought them along and gave them self-belief and that slow process grew and blossomed even further under Johan Ackermann and now under Swys de Bruin.
"I'm not sure they're as good as they were last year but the critical thing has been the continuity. They've lost or two players, they've managed to replace them but the style, the captain, the environment has remained the same. That is why I think this team has gelled and grown."