Melbourne have their eyes firmly fixed on a fourth successive NRL grand final appearance after a confidence-boosting blitzing of the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday night.

The Storm thrashed the battle-worn Kiwi side 30-0, to secure a home semi-final against Manly next Friday at Etihad Stadium, in a repeat of the 2008 grand final.

And it's an achievement that coach Craig Bellamy said cannot be underestimated.

"We know we've got a semi-final at home now regardless of the other results. That means a whole lot to us," he said.

Bellamy said he felt "huge pride" in his side for nabbing fourth spot given the dramas of Greg Inglis' assault charge, the raft of injuries and the number of young players who have been blooded this season.

He signalled out for special mention Ryan Tandy, Aiden Tolman and Dane Nielsen, who the coach said had made a stellar effort.

"They've just come in and done a tremendous job (with a) good attitude and the older guys have really helped them along," said Bellamy.

The Storm mentor said he had full confidence in taking the rookies in his side through to the semi-finals because they would learn from the experienced members of his squad who have featured in the last three grand finals.

Storm captain Cameron Smith said he was pleased with the progress the side had made in attack in recent weeks after a season-long struggle in that area.

"We worked really hard in training on our attack, it's something we've had to work really hard at all year and it's come good for us at the right time," Smith said.

"But we're not going to get too carried away.

"Being able to put a couple of big scores together in a row is always nice but you can win by two points in the semi-finals and be happy with that."

Bellamy said the latest win was a continuation of progress made last week when they destroyed the Roosters 38-4 at Olympic Park.

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