Australia edged New Zealand 24-20 in the World Cup opener, but prop Keaon Koloamatangi said his side was unhappy with its display.
"We got the win, but we weren't happy with how we played," he said.
"You want to be primed for the big games and I feel like we've reached a new level every single week. I think it's leading in the right direction."
Koloamatangi was listed among the reserves for Australia's 44-12 semi-final win over Samoa, then started, with Pat Carrigan moving to the bench.
Carrigan is named to start Sunday's final at Suncorp Stadium, though coach Kevin Walters has not confirmed Koloamatangi's place.
"I'm not too sure yet," Koloamatangi said.
"Last week I didn't know until captain's run, so it might be the same this week. We're all great players and I think whoever starts or comes off the bench is going to do a great job.
"If (Walters) starts me, he starts me, and if I come off the bench, I'll be ready. Whatever he needs. I prepare the same, like I'm going to play 80 minutes."
He said he shares a close bond with Carrigan, Cameron Murray, Reuben Cotter and captain Isaiah Yeo, built partly through spending days off together over coffee.
Koloamatangi dismissed claims that Australia has the competition's weakest forward pack, saying the group's professionalism keeps criticism from affecting them.
"There's no secret that people have been saying we're the weakest forward pack in the competition.
"But with the professionalism here it is something that we don't read into. We all know that as individuals, if we bring the best game for the team, then the forward pack's number one."
Fullback Reece Walsh had recently said the forwards did not deserve critics' "disrespect". Koloamatangi said he did not feel disrespected and preferred to focus on his job.