"When you see the Norries, the Ryan Hinchcliffes, the Lowries, they're not big guys.
"The way they throw themselves into their defensive work is an inspiration to the team."
Ben Barba was always a threat to the Storm, but some outstanding defence kept him largely in check.
The diminutive fullback has played an integral part in the Bulldogs' success this year, and almost got his side back into the game in the 66th minute when his brilliant kick on the run bounced invitingly for Josh Morris.
The NSW centre looked certain to score, but under pressure from Slater, and hampered by an awkward bounce, he was correctly adjudged to have knocked on, before the superstar fullback jumped up and punched the ball to safety.
It proved to be a decisive moment, with the Bulldogs still only 10 points behind despite being largely dominated by the Storm.
Bellamy claimed he'd never seen his side defend better and it was the key factor in winning the game.
"It was pretty crucial, if he (Morris) scores there then it's a four-point game and anything can happen," Bellamy said.
"That's what you expect those players to do, they keep coming up with the big plays and that is why they call them the big three.
"We've built our club on defence and in the second half we were simply outstanding."
Smith said the experience in the side was key during the build-up to the game, with eight of the team having played in grand finals, compared to four for the Bulldogs.
The Australia and Queensland skipper also credited the relaxed environment as a reason for the win.
"Coming up here and seeing how much support the Bulldogs had could have been pretty daunting," he said.
"I think from the grand final breakfast we were pretty relaxed and happy to deal with everything we had to," Smith said.
"A lot of that is down to Craig's planning, but I couldn't be prouder of how the team performed tonight."
- AAP
