Play for the now – Bellamy

SEIZE the day is Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy’s directive to his players as they contemplate the post-Cooper Cronk era.

The Storm’s masterful halfback is poised to play his last home match for the Storm, headed either for retirement or a Sydney club.

Fullback Billy Slater’s future remains up in the air as he weighs up whether to play on, and Melbourne faces the off-season departure of Tohu Harris and Jordan McLean.

Before tonight’s grand final qualifier against Brisbane in at AAMI Park, Bellamy has told his minor premiers to embrace the opportunity they have created.

In the last of many seasons with his “big three” — Cronk, Slater and Cameron Smith, he says there are no guarantees about such a strong title shot happening again soon.

“You talk about opportunities, we’re not going to get to play again with Cooper in our team at AAMI Park and that’s sad enough in itself,” said Bellamy yesterday.

“It’s more the opportunity — these guys have created a great opportunity for themselves this year. Now’s the time to take advantage of that opportunity.

“Without putting pressure on the group, you don’t get these opportunities often and you want to take them.

“That’s been our main thought this week. Our focus has been about how this is about everyone.”

Melbourne has played in seven grand finals since it entered the competition in 1998, winning four. Brisbane has played in four over that same period, winning three.