Saturday July 12 - MCG
Crowd: 4000-6000
Melbourne 1.17
Carlton 0.13 (half-time 1.8 to 0.7)
Melbourne by 1 goal
Goalkicker: Doran 1
Melbourne hadn't enjoyed victory against one of the traditional VFA clubs since the last time they played Carlton on 10 May, but after almost two months with only a win over minnows Williamstown to show they were back in the winners' circle. Victory came despite the absence of important players Jones, Rush and Pohlman. Neither side had their best team available, and Melbourne were forced to use 'emergencies' to cover the gaps in their lineup.
Rain made the turf soft and slippery, and it affected the quality of the game. At the first kick off there were only approximately 1000 spectators in the ground but as it became clear that the pre-match rain had gone away the crowd built up.
Despite the greasy conditions and a slight wind there was little excuse for the awful goalkicking display that the two sides put on, registering 1.30 between them. Each side claimed an extra goal that wasn't paid by the goal umpires. Carlton scored two in a row before Melbourne got their first, and the visitors cost themselves dearly when one of their players marked close to goal but instead of taking a set shot he tried to kick a goal immediately and missed.
For some time the play was in front of the Carlton goal but Melbourne could only score behinds until eventually Doran got the first and last major of the game from a scrimmage.
Carlton missed another easy shot early in the second half, and were gifted another turn in attack by Propsting who turned and kicked the ball back towards his own goal after forgetting that the teams had changed ends at half time.
No more goals were scored and Melbourne registered a much needed morale boosting victory. At the end of the game Carlton spectators accosted the Melbourne appointed goal umpire, with their vice-captain joining in and jostling him against the pavilion fence. He appeared before the VFA committee charged with assault and verbal abuse, and was found guilty but let off with a warning due to long service to the game.
Best were Propsting, L. Cussen and Aitken.
Notes
Some sources show Melbourne on 1.6 at half time.
Media
The Argus - 14/07/1884
Sportsman - 16/07/1884
Australasian - 19/07/1884