Saturday 19 August - Corio Oval
Geelong 3.2, 3.2, 4.7, 4.7
Melbourne 0.1, 1.11, 1.11, 5.18
Melbourne win by 1 goal
Goalkickers: McCarthy 2, McCulloch 1, Sheahan 1, O'Halloran 1
Melbourne ended their season, and their life in the VFA, with a win despite kicking 11 behinds in the first half. Their task wasn't helped by a strong breeze which assisted Geelong in the first and third quarter. The visitors attacked for the first few minutes before the home side took control of the match with three goals.
The wind kept the play bunched at one end of the ground, with neither openness or clever play on the agenda.
Melbourne had their chances in the second quarter but were absymal at converting, with 10 behinds for only one goal courtesy of a McCarthy place kick. They failed to register any score in the third quarter and it wasn't until they had the wind in the last that Melbourne started converting their chances and stormed home to win by one goal.
Best were McGinis, Fry and Powell.
Media
Geelong Advertiser - 21/09/1896
Australasian - 26/09/1896
Australasian - 26/09/1896