Saturday 16 May - Melbourne Ground
Melbourne 1
South Yarra 0
Match drawn
Goalkicker: James Green
The first match of the season was played on Melbourne's ground and they were never seriously challenged by South Yarra. Their goal was never seriously threatened, and South only avoided conceding the second goal because Bell spurned a couple of chances.
The play was interrupted several times by trees on the field and it was suggested that these were removed.
Selected side
L. Bell, Bennie, Bruford, Byrne, Chadwick, Clarke, Disher, Finlay, C. Forrester, Freeman, Green, H. Harrison (c), Hepburn, T. Ireland, R. Ireland, Leach, T. Moodie, Moodie, Stodart, Williams. Emergencies - Barnes, Colville, Copeland, Fitzgerald, Harrison, Hurst and Stevens.
Notes
The Age suggested a 1-1 draw, and other sources incorrectly South Yarra won 1-0.
Media
Argus - 16/05/1868, 18/05/1868
Herald - 16/05/1868
Telegraph - 23/05/1868
Australasian - 23/05/1868