The Silver Ferns goal defence and former Steel defender said her side was desperate to register its first win this season and the Steel was in the way.
Grant transferred to the Pulse after spending two seasons with the Steel and knows how tight the southern side is.
Despite losing key players such as Adine Wilson and Donna Wilkins, Grant believes the team is playing some good netball.
"They don't have the big names but you can tell they are a tight unit," Grant said.
"They are just such a good team unit.
"No matter who plays, they work together.
"Against the Magic [on Monday] they just held on to the ball and were so patient.
"It is so hard to get ball off them at the moment.
"Even Casey [Williams] wasn't getting as many intercepts as she normally does, although she pulled some out of the bag at the end, which was amazing."
Grant said the Pulse had doubled its effort and was training twice a day, five days a week.
The problem was the other nine teams had also lifted their efforts.
"Everyone seems to have doubled up on their training this year.
"We definitely feel that we have made improvements from the past two years.
"Everyone is fitter and faster but then again every other team has got a lot better as well."
The Pulse had to wait until round 13 last year before getting its first win in the ANZ Championship.
Having broken a 24-game losing streak, it hopes to be more competitive this season.
Some clever recruiting means it is no longer the easy-beat it has been in the past.
But while improvements have been made, the wins are still proving hard to come by.
The Pulse lost its opening match to the Canterbury Tactix 54-48, and competed well with the much-improved Mystics before losing 61-50.
"We got enough ball against the Mystics.
"The first three quarters were good but all of a sudden we threw a couple of balls away and missed a couple of shots and paid the price.
"If we can score off our turnovers against the Steel then I think we're in with a shot."
Despite having some inside knowledge of the Steel camp, Grant doubts she will be able to provide any new intelligence.
With all the matches broadcast, the analysis has been done to death.
Basically, it would come down to patience and execution of the game plan, she said.
First-choice Steel shooter Daneka Wipiiti fell awkwardly and aggravated a knee injury two weeks ago.
She missed the 47-41 loss to the Magic.
Backup shooter Julianna Naoupu filled in admirably during her absence.
But whether Wipiiti returns from injury or Naoupu gets another opportunity does not bother Grant.
They both offered the Steel something different, she said.
Naoupu had great ball handling skills and moved into space well, whereas Wipiiti played more of a holding game and was strong in the air.
They were different defensive assignments but both challenging, she said.
Win netball tickets
The Otago Daily Times has five double passes to Monday night's netball game between the Southern Steel and the Central Pulse to give away.
To enter the draw, email sports editor Hayden Meikle (hayden.meikle@odt.co.nz) your name, a daytime phone number and the answer to this question:Who is the captain of the Southern Steel?Entries must be received by noon on Sunday.
Winners will be able to collect their tickets from the Lion Foundation Arena the night of the game.
