The Origin period proved difficult to negotiate however with team unable to come up with some crucial wins at the business end of the season, eventually finishing in third place.
Cooper Cronk was rewarded for several seasons of brilliance, claiming his first Dally M Medal Player of the Year honour.
Off the field Storm experienced a change at the helm with Mark Evans replacing Ron Gauci as CEO midway through the season, following divestment of the club by News Limited to new ownership.
Melbourne again finished the regular season in 9th place on the ladder, meaning the club would not qualify for the finals for the second year in a row.
Melbourne continued their relationships with both the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Easts Tigers to send any reserve players to play in their respective state cup competitions.
In the New South Wales Cup, Cronulla were coached by Tony Herman, and finished the regular season in first position.
Four Melbourne contracted players: Kirisome Auva'a, Young Tonumaipea, Siosaia Vave, and Junior Moors were all members of the premiership team.
[3][66] Easts Tigers halfback Cody Walker won the competition's best and fairest award ahead of joining the Storm in 2014.