Saturday 8 August - Melbourne Ground
Melbourne 2
East Melbourne 1 (half time 1-1)
Melbourne win by 1 goal
Goalkickers: Edwin Towle 1, Austin Loughnan 1
East Melbourne played with a 20-17 advantage. They had drawn against Carlton the previous Saturday so were much fancied in this match but failed. East Melbourne won the toss, but were immediately on the back foot. Austin Loughnan missed from close range before making amends with the opening goal.
The visitors had the odd rush but Melbourne's defence wasn't regularly challenged. However, they conceded just before the break when East broke out of a scrimmage of 2-3 minutes to equalise.
Melbourne had the game all their own way in the second half, but it took them until 15 minutes to go to break through for the winner.
Best were Larry Bell, Charles Forrester and Austin Loughnan
Media
Australasian - 15/08/1874.