For the first time since 2014, the Storm were eliminated in the first week of the finals.
Many clubs would consider finishing a win outside the top four a solid result, but at a team where success is the norm, Melbourne won't look back on their 2022 season with too much fondness.
Cameron Smith is, alongside Craig Bellamy, arguably the most influential figure in Storm history and his retirement brought about the end of the prosperous big three era.
Just how would Melbourne deal with life after Smith?
Did the Storm over-deliver or under-deliver in 2022?
While there were certainly mitigating circumstances, the Storm definitely UNDER-DELIVERED in 2022.
Despite their personnel losses in recent years, Melbourne still have one of the best rosters in the comp with stars all over the field, a coach who knows how to get the very best out of his team and a significant home ground advantage.
In the end, as injuries mounted, they just ran out of puff.
Finishing fifth unfortunately meant they met their bogey side - a confident Canberra in the elimination final.
Had they been able to defeat either of the Roosters or Parramatta in their final two regular season games, they would have earned themselves a double chance, but it wasn't to be.
When did it fall apart?
Many began writing the obituary for Melbourne's 2022 season when Ryan Papenhuyzen's kneecap was obliterated in their round 18 loss to, you guessed it, the Raiders.
As it turned out, they were pretty much on the money.
The Storm had already lost star prop Christian Welch for the year when their fullback's campaign was ended.
Papenhuyzen's injury forced Bellamy into a reshuffle, trying both Cameron Munster and Nick Meaney out in the number one jersey.
Munster's brilliance managed to inspire them to a few wins in Papenhuyzen's absence but, without a key attacking threat and their main goalkicker, the Storm's season ended with three straight losses
The best period to be a Storm fan
A flying Melbourne met an in-form Cronulla side in round six but the competition's long-time heavyweights flexed their muscle, taking some wind out of the Sharks' sails with a 34-18 win.
From there, the Storm went on an incredible scoring spree which had many tipping them for another premiership.
The Warriors were belted 70-10, Newcastle were despatched 50-2 and the Dragons were on the end of a 42-6 drubbing.
Melbourne won six games on the trot from Round Four, all the while the likes of Papenhuyzen, Munster, Meaney, Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Coates and Justin Olam were scoring at will.
The run came to an end in Magic Round when Penrith handled them 32-6.
Shining light: Jahrome Hughes
In what was another strong year for Jahrome Hughes, the playmaker proved himself to be arguably the Storm's most important player - outside of perhaps only Cameron Munster.
One of the best running halfbacks in the NRL today, the 27-year-old averaged just shy of 100 metres per game and made 13 linebreaks over the course of the year - more than any other player in his position.
Hughes has also developed his game-management skills, forcing nine dropouts and creating 12 try assists.
The New Zealand international also inked a long-term contract extension with Melbourne, knocking back an offer from the Dolphins, and will be a major part of the potential success for the Kiwis in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Will they improve in 2023?
We've been around long enough to say with some confidence that yes, Melbourne will improve in 2023.
For starters, they'll get Papenhuyzen and Welch back.
Grant will have another off-season to work on his combinations with halves Munster and Hughes, both of whom are still getting better.
The only question mark is in the forwards, with Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi headed to the Dolphins, while Brandon Smith will join the Roosters.
Although, be it veteran recruits or unheralded youngsters, no one can maximise a player's ability like Bellamy.
Don't be surprised if Eli Katoa turns into a destructive attacking weapon and Tariq Sims winds back the clock and produces his best in the famous Storm system.
Storm player movements 2023
Gains
Joe Chan, Eliesa Katoa, Tariq Sims
Losses
Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Brandon Smith
Unsigned
Tom Eisenhuth, Bronson Garlick, Cooper Johns, Chris Lewis, Alec MacDonald, Tagiolupe Tivalu
