The team knows how much work is ahead of them if they are to get back to a Grand Final but they are ready to embrace it.
Sunday night’s defeat was understandably hard to take for a side that gave it their all, not only on the night but for 30 weeks of a grueling season.
It was a year that resulted in a Minor Premiership, the Club’s first since 2011 as well as producing 21 wins and countless memorable moments.
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When asked how long Sunday’s loss will serve as motivation, Storm halfback Cooper Cronk was quite clear on his answer.
“Probably for 12 months until we get another opportunity I suppose,” Cronk said.
“I’m not one that dwells on it or anything like that but there is that little part in the back of your mind that you think about it.
“Unfortunately for me and a few other players, I’ve done this merry dance a few times. I know what it’s like to win on Grand Final day, I know what it’s like to lose, but you can use it as inspiration to see where you end up next time.”
For a side that is still on the rise with several younger players looking to take the next step in 2017, there is no doubt the experience of reaching a Grand Final will only serve Melbourne well moving forward.
“That is one of the things when you lose a Grand Final that you can hang your hat on,” Cronk said.
“There’s guys that have experienced it and if we ever get there again, they will be better for the occasion.
“Hopefully it is a positive thing to come out of it but whether you use the loss as inspiration or not, I know this football team can get back to that opportunity and that chance but we’ve got to do some hard work to get there.”
