Sunday's 61-59 win over the defending champions, the Adelaide Thunderbirds, had been six years in the making.
In six previous seasons, the Steel had made 16 unsuccessful trips across the Tasman.
''It was pretty amazing,'' Francois said when asked about the breakthrough victory.
''It was an awesome game to be part of and it is cool to create some history with the Steel. Everybody is extremely excited about it.''
Francois was named player of the match for her efforts in feeding 1.98m shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Reid.
The towering Jamaican is a great target but Francois' passing has improved and she has been fearless in delivering the ball.
With captain and goal attack Jodi Brown shouldering more of the scoring responsibilities, the Steel looks a more complete team.
The win has helped keep the Steel's playoff prospects alive.
The franchise started with three consecutive losses but has won the last two games. Potentially, the Steel could afford to drop one, possibly two more games.
''It is obviously a positive for us for our goal of making the top four,'' Francois said.
''I think it was a sign of real mental toughness. We were totally in it the whole game and I think it was the top two inches which really got us through.''
The Steel hosts the Mystics in Invercargill on Sunday, and plays the Pulse at home on April 14. Wins in those matches will see the Steel close in on its goal of making the playoffs.
''[The Mystics] will be out for a win because they have not had the best start to the season. But we have to focus on our own game, really, and do what we do well. That seems to be working for us.''
