Craig Bellamy is on guard for a very different Warriors outfit than the one his Melbourne team thrashed last Anzac Day, saying he can't remember seeing greater improvement in a side.
Melbourne wrapped up preparations on Monday for the annual NRL clash, training with recorded crowd noise blaring to set themselves for the expected sell-out at AAMI Park.
Last year the Storm thumped the Warriors by a record 70-10 scoreline, piling on 54 points in the second half alone while winger Xavier Coates finished with four tries.
But this year the Warriors, under new coach Andrew Webster, boast five wins from seven rounds - one more than Bellamy's men.
The veteran coach, who is still to make a call on his future with Melbourne, expected a much tougher contest on Tuesday night.
"I can't remember a side that has improved as much as they have from year to year," Bellamy said of the Warriors.
"They've been tremendous this year - really consistent with what they're doing - they've obviously got a system and they believe in it and stick to it."
He singled out Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson who he felt was at the top of his game.
"Shaun Johnson is playing as good as he's ever played, if not better, particularly his kicking game," Bellamy said of the 32-year-old.
"He's an example of where their improvement has come from."
Melbourne are still to finalise their 17 with Tom Eisenhuth set to drop off the bench due to a hip injury.
Prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona trained strongly on Monday and is set for his first game since suffering a knee injury in round two.
With a bye next round, Bellamy said they would take a cautious approach with Asofa-Solomona if he showed any signs of soreness following the session.
He said that the Kiwi giant would only play limited minutes.
"We're not expecting miracles from him as he's a big man and he hasn't done a whole heap of training," Bellamy said of Asofa-Solomona.
"We just hope he finds somewhere near his best in the time that he does play."
Eliesa Katoa will start in the Storm second-row, having joined Melbourne from the Warriors this season.
The 22-year-old missed the Anzac clash last year but Bellamy was delighted to have the youngster lining up on his side this time around.
"He was playing some good footy for the Warriors two or three years ago and then basically fell off the end of the earth," Bellamy said of the Tongan talent.
"He's been doing a great job for us - he's a great talent and his defence has certainly improved and we expect him to get better and better."
