Saturday 29 September - Waverley
Melbourne 1.9, 13.11, 19.13, 24.18.162
Footscray 2.5, 2.12, 4.15, 9.17.71
Melbourne win by 91 points
Goalkickers: Cuthbertson 9, Jackson 4, Beveridge 2, Howat 2, Clark 2, Heaver 2, J. Viney 1, Keogh 1, Ahern 1
Melbourne had been beaten by 90 points by Carlton a week earlier, but with the addition of several senior players including Ricky Jackson, Danny Hughes and Peter Rohde they turned the tables by thrashing the Bulldogs to qualify for Grand Final.
After conceding a narrow lead at quarter time the Demons blew Footscray to shreds in the second term, kicking 12 goals to nil. The margin was out to 88 points at the last change, and most interest of the last quarter was on whether Cuthbertson could kick 10 but he unselfishly passed to Brent Heaver with his best opportunity.
Best were Cuthbertson, Howat, Mahoney. John Howat was reported for unduly rough play during the second quarter.
Media
Canberra Times - 30/09/1990