Practice Match 1996
Sunday 10 March
Essendon vs Melbourne
Venue: Mount Gambier
Attendance: Unknown
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 6.2 | 6.4 | 12.8 | 13.11.89 |
| Melbourne | 3.2 | 7.3 | 9.3 | 9.5.59 |
Essendon win by 30 points
Goalkickers: Jim Stynes 2, Glenn Lovett 1, Craig Turley 1, David Neitz 1, Clay Sampson 1, Anthony Ingerson 1, Jeff Farmer 1, Dean Irving 1
The Bombers introduced a number of their stars back into the squad, and jumped to an early three goal lead. Despite conceding four goals to nil in the second quarter they were never headed, setting up victory with six to two in the third, before keeping the Dees goalless in the final term.
Best were Turley, Prymke and Farmer. Andrew Leoncelli broke his right ankle, Andrew Obst hurt his shoulder.
Media
Age - 11/03/1996