1954 Seconds Semi Final
Saturday 11 September
MCG
Melbourne 2.2, 3.9, 6.13, 14.17.101
Carlton 4.4, 8.4, 12.9, 15.9.99
Melbourne win by 2 points
Goalkickers: Brian Rickards 3, Fred Webster 3, Jack Mueller 3, Tom Magee 2, Clyde Laidlaw 1, Ken Albiston 1, Tony Bull 1
Melbourne started better but were wasteful with their kicking for goal and had an early lead before Carlton dominated the last minutes of the first quarter to take a 14 point lead into the first break.
The Blues went into the last quarter 32 points in front but were swept aside by a rampaging Demon comeback in the last. Even the final few minutes when Carlton stacked the backline couldn't stop Melbourne getting back within a goal. Brian Rickards took a high mark just before the siren rang, and from a difficult angle he slotted the winner. At the other end, Jack Ellis booted 11 for the Blues but it wasn't enough to get them over the line.
A spectator in the Members' Stand collapsed and died immediately after the exciting finish.
Best were Constable, Webster and Ferguson. Richards replaced Ridley (ankle) during the game and Hayes replaced Dixon (cramp).
Team
B: Glourey, Power, C. Wilson
HB: Constable, Ferguson, Carroll
C: Ron McKenzie, Dixon, Kearney
HF: Bull, Webster, Laidlaw
F: Ridley, Mueller, Magee
R: T. Johnston, Woods, Albiston
I: Rickards, Hayes
E: W. McMahon, Rouse, B. Wilson, Proffitt.
Notes
The Age incorrectly shows the interchange as 'Richards' and 'Hughes'.
Media
Football Record - 1954 Finals
Argus - 10/09/1954
Herald - 11/09/1954
Sporting Globe - 11/09/1954
Age - 13/09/1954
Argus - 13/09/1954
Age - 13/09/1954 (page 3)
Football Record - 1954 Finals