Saturday July 19 - Melbourne Ground
Crowd: 5000
Melbourne 1
Carlton 2 (half time 0-1)
Carlton won by 1 goal
Goalkicker: Wheatland 1
Melbourne had not been in top form during 1873, but a big crowd still turned out to see the two top senior clubs play. Police were employed to make sure spectators didn't encroach onto the ground.
Carlton started favourites despite the first match of the season between the two sides ending in a draw. They won the toss and had the best of the early play. Their passing was superior and gave them a number of attacking chances but Melbourne's strong defence held them out.
Much of the early play was confined to the centre of the ground before Carlton got their first goal at the 25 minute mark. They would have scored another goal if it wasn't for a mark on the last line of defence by James Byrne. From there Melbourne had the better of the first half but went in behind.
With the breeze now in their favour Melbourne started the second half confidently, but both teams had attacking opportunities before Wheatland evaded two Carlton defenders to restore his side to parity.
Carlton regained the lead with 30 minutes to go after a defensive error by Melbourne allowed them to score through a place kick from an acute angle. The Reds were unable to find an equaliser and lost.
Best were Goldsmith, Andrew Loughnan and Charles Forrester.
Media
Australasian - 26/07/1873