The Warrnambool-raised coach on Monday masterminded Perth Wildcats' sixth grand final appearance in the past eight seasons without star guard Bryce Cotton.

The Cats (79) defeated Illawarra Hawks (71) in game three of the semi-final series to secure the berth.

They will host the first two of five games of the championship series, regardless of who wins the deciding clash in the other semi-final between Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Tuesday.

Gleeson said he was full of pride on the back of his team's effort.

"I'm just so proud of the guys. Just the effort, how they played, how they carry themselves," he said.

"To get in the grand final without your best player... It speaks volumes on the character of the team.

"We withstood a pretty big storm there in the second half, so just really proud."

Gleeson said he hadn't thought too much about getting the first two of five games at home but felt it was positive.

"Obviously it's a great thing we don't have to travel," he said.

"To play three games in five days with travel is always an issue.

"To get the first two at home, we can rest our bodies up, give Mitch (Norton) some rest and lock into it on the weekend.

"Hopefully we get this place rocking and we can get a couple of wins."

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