Craig Bellamy doesn’t believe a potential straight sets finals exit would mean a wasted season

The Storm face an elimination clash with the Eels in Melbourne - a venue they’ve lost at four times this season - but Craig Bellamy says the club will take plenty from 2019 if they bow out of the competition.

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Storm coach Craig Bellamy says a straight sets finals elimination would not render 2019 a wasted season.

But Bellamy has challenged his players to pay back "short changed" fans having had to see the minor premier drop four of its five losses this season in Melbourne.

The winner of Saturday night's semi-final will play premiers Sydney Roosters at the SCG on AFL grand final night.

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Craig Bellamy has already taken plenty from the 2019 season. Picture: David Crosling

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"I don't care what anyone says, this group has done a wonderful job this year," Bellamy said.

"I don't care what happens on the weekend, I hope that doesn't come back to bite me, but at the end of the day I'm really proud of this group.

"We will be disappointed if we don't go any further, without a doubt, we're going to be disappointed if we get beat in whatever time the rest of this season.

“But what these guys have done to win a minor premiership … they've worked really hard, they've really stuck with each other.

“It's been a really good season and a successful season in that way, it's also been some real good leanings for everyone.

The minor premiers are facing a shock straight sets finals exit. Picture: Scott Barbour

"Our young players have learned a lot about themselves, a lot about our club, and a lot about the players they play with, whatever happens I'm going to be really proud of them."

Storm utility Brandon Smith (flu) remains in some doubt for the crunch semi-final despite brushing off a shoulder issue.

Despite a narrow loss last week Bellamy is adamant Melbourne’s best is still good enough to measure up against hi-octane Parramatta Eels, who belted up Brisbane 58-0 last week.

“I don't think we're that far away from it,” Bellamy said.

“We weren't blown out of the water, we were in front with three minutes to go and we dropped the ball 10m from our try line and paid the price.

“I don't think it's terminal, there is a couple of things we want to improve on but we defended really well on the weekend, we need to do that again this week.”

Bellamy also rubbished suggestions Melbourne’s attack, rated the best in the competition at the end of the season, is too predictable.

Four of Storm’s five losses this season has been in Melbourne and Bellamy is desperate to improve the ledger.

“We can't really put our finger on it but we've tried a couple of things and we probably got a couple little things up our sleeve this week that we might try as well,” Bellamy said.

“We should be really proud to play at home in front of our home fans and I think on a couple of occasions we have probably short changed them this year, hopefully we can change that.”