As travelling fans packed into AAMI Park for the preliminary final against the Storm, those left behind in Canberra flooded into the city's Raiders clubs to watch the game on the big screen.

Young and old, fair weather and all weather alike gathered to feel the next closest atmosphere to the real thing, with raffles, competitions and specials helping to move the action along.

For many, the clubs provided a place to Vikings clap and cheer on the Green Machine with a better atmosphere than at home in front of the television

Kaitlyn, David and Karen Bink, who attended Raiders Belconnen on Saturday night, have followed the team for years and have been overwhelmed by the amount of support Canberra has shown the team during the season.

Karen said the camaraderie shown by the city during the Raiders' run this season was contagious and been a huge boost to the club.

"Our son's down in Melbourne at the moment, but we wanted to save our money and hopefully go to the grand final next week," she said.

"At the last two home games I've never been to football matches like it; seeing so many people barracking was incredible," David said.

"We were going to do it at home but we wanted to come here to see all the people and join in the atmosphere, regardless of the outcome."

Poppi Lane, 9, has been to all but one of the home games this season.

"We came here for an away game against the Tigers and it was really fun," she said.

Murrays ran a direct Melbourne express route for fans travelling to Melbourne for the game over the weekend.

Unfortunately, the Melbourne ended Canberra's fairytale run with a 14-12 victory to set up a date with Cronulla on the final weekend of the season.

AT A GLANCE

Canberra Raiders 6 (Jordan Rapana try; Jarrod Croker goal)

Melbourne Storm 14 (Cooper Cronk, Cheyse Blair try, Cameron Smith 3 goals)

at Melbourne. Referees: Matt Cecchin and Alan Shortall. Crowd: 28,161.