It is better to have played and lost, than not to have played at all.

That is the attitude of Melbourne hardman Ryan Hoffman who has experienced three mixed grand final emotions - defeat, victory and helplessness.

Hoffman sobbed on national television when Melbourne were upset by Brisbane in 2006, but then enjoyed the elation of victory when the Storm made amends in 2007.

However, the toughest year of all was in 2008 when Hoffman had an ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines while his teammates were belted 40-0 by Manly.

"Not getting a chance to get out there, easily," said Hoffman when asked if it was worse to lose or not play at all.

"I would much rather be playing, definitely.

"Losing a grand final is one of the hardest things. It's devastating losing a grand final, but not being able to play, not being able to help your teammates. You are just helpless and that is worse I feel.

"It's just because you know how hard they are working and not being able to contribute to them is a hard thing.

"It is such a helpless feeling. I was feeling sorry for the boys out on the field to have what happened to them during the game.

"It was quite hard for them, I felt for them rather than for myself.

"But that's done and now I get a chance to rectify that moment last year this year."

Hoffman said the club should be really proud of the fact they've reached four straight grand finals and while he is one of only nine players who remain from the 2007 premiership side, he believes a second NRL title would surely put Melbourne up among some of rugby league's great clubs.

"People determine greatness by premierships and if you get a couple of premierships in a decade then I suppose you deserve to be ranked as one of the quality teams," he said.

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