The Storm have been narrowly defeated by the Broncos in the NRL grand final.
As has become typical of these two sides in 2025, Melbourne led 22-12 at the break, but got run down to ultimately lose by four points.
The men in purple lost their left centre, Jack Howarth, in the 14th minute to a groin injury. This forced a reshuffle that saw Tyran Wishart play in the centres, leaving Craig Bellamy without his usual utility option.
"Those things happen for a reason," said Bellamy in the post-match press conference.
"We just weren't good enough on the night."
Storm back-rower Eliesa Katoa created an opportunity late to steal the game when he broke through the line. Ryan Papenhuyzen loomed on the inside with only the fullback to beat.
However, the Broncos No.1 just happened to be the best player on the field - Reece Walsh - who tracked both men and made a try-saver for the ages.
When asked about what he would've liked his side to do differently if presented the opportunity to nullify Walsh, Bellamy was blunt.
"I could think of some things you could do. Tackle him," he said.
Melbourne have now stumbled at the final hurdle twice in the past two seasons, leaving questions about what's next for the roster.
"It's tough losing a grand final whatever the situation," said Bellamy.
"We're disappointed in the result, but to make a grand final is hard work.
"There was a couple of things we thought we learned from last year, but we didn't."
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Melbourne captain Harry Grant echoed a lot of the same sentiment as his coach, but also offered a line of optimism to propel the organisation into the 2026 season.
"You can't get here tomorrow, but what we do tomorrow could certainly help," said Grant.
The Storm will now enter another preseason under the cloud of an opportunity lost, with it now becoming more than fair to ask if this is the roster that can deliver on the biggest stage.