Elimination Final, 2005
Geelong vs Melbourne
Saturday 3 September
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 65,018
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Geelong | 5.4 | 12.5 | 16.8 | 18.8.116 |
| Melbourne | 2.3 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 9.7.61 |
Geelong win by 55 points
Goalkickers: Russell Robertson 4, Paul Wheatley 2, Aaron Davey 1, Ben Holland 1, Adem Yze 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Alistair Nicholson
Guy Rigoni
Last MFC Game
Chris Heffernan
Statistical categories led:
Biggest loss in Elimination Final
After having fallen into the 8 on the back of three weeks of thrilling victories, Melbourne's mental toughness was rivalled by their physically battering. Adem Yze and James McDonald went into the match short on fitness, while throughout the day they lost Jeff White (facial injuries), Travis Johnstone (ankle), Paul Wheatley (groin), Guy Rigoni and Brock McLean (both concussion).
It was no excuse for the loss though. Geelong had done all the damage in the first half when the Demons had a full compliment of players. In fact it was amazing that they didn't get beaten by more considering they had so many unfit players on the field. Paul Wheatley was forced to play at full-forward despite being almost unable to move and somehow managed two goals.
Less lucky was White who had his face struck by an errant Steven King boot which fractured bones in his face. King had tried to kick a ball out of mid-air, and instead collected White's head with such an impact that the damage was likened to a car crash.
The Demons had played finals intensity football for three weeks, but by the time they got to a real final they couldn't go any further.
Best were Brown, Carroll and Davey.