Saturday 4 June - MCG
Crowd: 10,000-12,000
Melbourne 4.2
Carlton 2.8 (half time 2.3 to 2.6)
Melbourne win by 2 goals
Goalkickers: Charles Baker 1, Power 1, McDonald 1, Stiffe 1
Despite unfavourable weather an a heavy ground caused by overnight rains, a large crowd turned up to see the match. The grandstand well filled and areas around the arena crowded as well. With driving rain still falling at the start of the game, the unbeaten Reds (though five of six wins had come against juniors) continued their excellent start to the season.
Carlton kicked with a slight breeze, but allowed Melbourne to kick two goals of their own - including the first to Charles Baker. The home side nearly scored again immediately from the kick-off, but Carlton defended and eventually scored the equaliser from a mark close to goal. Rain then began to fall again, and the Blues then went in front again before Charles Power ended the half with the equaliser.
Pouring rain fell through half time and Carlton failed to come back onto the field for 20 minutes after the break while the Melbourne players stood in the conditions and were soaked. The tactic didn't help as they were outscored 2-0 in the second half on the muddy turf with goals from Macdonald and Stiffe.
Best were Aitken, Adams and Watson.
Notes
Some sources have the score as 2.7 to 2.3 at half time, the final as 4.4-2.8 and F. Power scoring two instead of one McDonald goal.
Media
The Argus - 04/06/1881
Mount Alexander Mail - 06/06/1881
Geelong Advertiser - 06/06/1881
Advocate - 11/06/1881
Australasian - 11/06/1881