Scott Anderson doesn't have the fondest memories of last year's grand final.

The Melbourne prop had beaten young rookie Aiden Tolman for the last spot on the Storm interchange bench, but by the time he'd stepped foot onto ANZ Stadium Manly were well on their way to victory.

"I didn't really look at the score, but I don't think it was all that good," said Anderson.

"I was on the bench so it was disappointing once they started scoring all the tries.

"The whole semi-final period was very emotional, it was a big build-up and then it was a massive let down and a very emotional time.

"I don't think I've ever been that emotional after a game."

While Anderson took a while to get over the record 40-0 defeat, it wasn't long before his mind was refocused onto the 2009 season.

With Jeremy Smith, Michael Crocker and Antonio Kaufusi all set to leave Melbourne, coach Craig Bellamy turned to Anderson and Tolman in the off-season and told them he wanted them to step up and become regular first-graders.

"We have meetings to recap the year that has just gone and they do have goals set in mind and at the start of pre-season we sat down and he gave us a list of goals he wants us to get through and maintain and what he wants to get better," said Anderson.

"He definitely wanted us to step up and become first-grade players. I think Aiden and I have shown that we can do that."

Part of Anderson's overhaul was to improve his physical strength and endurance, and he's dropped 3kg in body weight without losing any of his size.

"Through the pre-season we worked hard to get bigger and stronger and a lot more skill to actually take that spot and make it yours," he said.

"I think I have done that through the year and I just hope I can keep getting better and have my position.

"I'm happy with what I've done this year.

"I'm excited about Sunday ... after last year's loss, it's good to know we've got a second chance at it."

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