Saturday 31 May - MCG
Crowd: 6000-7000
Melbourne 1
Hotham 1 (half time 0-1)
Match drawn
Goalkickers: Lempriere 1
The largest crowd for a football match so far in 1879 turned out at the MCG to see the two sides battle - and they delivered a quality match from start to end where the teams couldn't be split.
Melbourne made the first serious attack of the match, but it was repelled and Hotham carried the ball to their end where they threatened for the first time. The teams went back and forth, with many scrimmages in the middle of the ground as they fought to get the ball forward. T. Longden might have opened the scoring but his shot on goal just fell short and was stopped by Hotham's goalkeeper.
Longden set up another chance for Bob Sillett not long after but Melbourne's captain missed from in front of goal. The home side kept the ball camped in front of Hotham's goal for half an hour but were unable to score, and just before half time the visitors took the lead.
The first 10 minutes of the second half were taken up by a battle in the battle of the ground before Cook missed a good chance - one of five for the day. Finally he decided to pass instead of take a shot and set up Lempriere to equalise for Melbourne with 10 minutes left, but despite Melbourne pressing furiously for a winner during the last 10 minutes they failed to break through again and the match was drawn.
An unnamed Melbourne player was slated in the press for striking an opposition player during the game.
Best were McKenzie, E. Longden and Power.
Media
Argus - 02/06/1879
Leader - 07/06/1879
Australasian - 07/06/1879
Australasian - 07/06/1879