Saturday 3 May - MCG
Melbourne 0.0, 0.0, 3.0. 3.0
Carlton 2.1, 2.3, 6.6, 7.9
Carlton win by 4 goals
Goalkickers: Griffiths 1, Aitken 1, R. Kelly 1
The first game of the year opened much like most of 1889 for the Reds, they failed to score in the first half and were beaten comfortably by their old enemies.
With little wind there was no chance for the home side to ease into either the first or second quarter, but they hadn't been expected to win anyway against the second best side in the league the previous year. They couldn't field their best side, and Melbourne's list was significantly improved but they were a better side.
Melbourne won the toss and kicked first, but Carlton attacked first and soon had the first goal on the board. The home team had the opposition goal under threat during the first quarter, but the Reds conceded a free kick which helped Carlton clear the danger. A late goal for the quarter doubled the advantage.
A much better second quarter followed, where Melbourne still failed to score but also kept Carlton to just two points. They often went forward to find the Carlton defence keeping them at bay.
Carlton were five goals in front before Melbourne finally scored through Griffiths.
Best were Carroll, Griffiths and Kelly.
Selected team
Aitken, Carroll, Clough, Cohen, Connolly, Benson, Beyers, Wilson, Ramsay, Kelly, Griffiths, Fox, Orwin, Slattery, Sheahan, Smith, King, James, Healing, Hallett, Shaw, Lynar, Fry.
Media
Herald - 02/05/1890
Australasian - 10/05/1890