Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith says he's lucky to remember what he did last week so the 2008 NRL finals don't feature highly in the memory bank.

Ahead of the Storm's qualifying final against eight-placed Newcastle at AAMI Park on Sunday, Smith was asked whether the loss in the same final in 2008 played on his mind.

In that match the Storm, again minor premiers, hosted the New Zealand Warriors and were beaten 18-15 in a thrilling encounter.

Itwas the first time since the introduction of the McIntyre System almost 10 years previous that the eighth-placed team had knocked off No.1.

That finals series didn't end well for Melbourne, who were humbled 40-0 by Manly in the grand final.

"I haven't got that in my mind at all," Smith said.

"That happened three years ago and I'm flat out remembering what happened last week let alone three years ago."

Even if Smith did carry some scars from that match, there are only six players players still at the club from that game, and one, Adam Blair, is suspended.

The Storm got back into training at Olympic Park on Wednesday following their haul of seven awards at the Dally M night in Sydney, including Billy Slater winning the Dally M Medal as the best NRL player and Craig Bellamy, coach of the year.

Smith, who brought home hooker, rep player and captain of the year accolades, said his side was aware they needed to be on their game against the dangerous Knights.

"I think everyone's aware that if you don't turn up ready to play you can get beaten by anyone in this competition," Smith said.

"We know that Newcastle are a very good side and they've been playing some very good football over the last couple of weeks so we need to play the best we can.

"It's not about looking back on 2008 and thinking, this might happen. We know whoever we play if we're not ready and don't play well, then there's a good chance we'll get beaten."

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