Reserves Grand Final, 1969
Melbourne vs Carlton
Saturday September 27
Venue: MCG
Attendance: n/a
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.3 | 5.8 | 9.9 | 12.16.88 |
| Carlton | 3.6 | 4.6 | 6.11 | 8.12.60 |
Melbourne win by 28 points
Goalkickers: Greg Wells 3, Russell Colcott 2, Chris Aitken 2, Barrie Vagg 2, Bryan Kenneally 1, Kelvin Clarke 1, Ray Sampson 1
Stronger defence and more pace helped the Demons over the line to their first seconds premiership since 1956. That year it had been a curtain raiser for a premiership victory, whereas 13 seasons later it was the only upside to a wooden spoon season.
Carlton were three points in front at the first break, but with Melbourne dominant in the air the Blues players continually caused themselves trouble by kicking high balls towards each other. Despite Melbourne's dominance around the packs during the second term they couldn't convert on the scoreboard and only led by eight at the long break.
The third quarter set up victory, with Greg Wells running riot. He had recently been promoted to the seniors with encouraging results and joined with Russell Colcott and Barrie Vagg to set up a 16 point lead at the last break.
Captain Ken Emselle, Gardiner Medallist and until that point his side's best player, went off injured early in the last quarter and it took the sting out of his side's attack. Carlton goalled to draw closer but Aitken, Kenneally and Wells all responded to help Ian Ridley win his first coaching premiership.
Best were Emselle, Wells and Jones
Team
B: Phil Rhoden, Michael Stanton, Graham Osborne
HB: John Forster, John Letcher, Derek Feldmann
C: Robert McKenzie, Ken Emselle, Danny Jennings
HF: Barrie Vagg, Russell Colcott, Mark Mitchell
F: Neville Stone, Chris Aitken, Kelvin Clarke
Foll: Brent Jones, Bryan Kenneally, Greg Wells
Res: Ray Sampson, Danny Powell
EM: Anderson, Aubrey, Callery, Hayes, Hodges
Video
Media
Age - 29/09/1969
Football Record 1969 GF