Practice Match, 1973
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday, 24 March
Venue: MCG
Attendance: n/a
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 6.4 | 11.8 | 15.10 | 18.11.119 |
| Melbourne | 0.3 | 5.6 | 7.10 | 12.13.87 |
Richmond win by 32 points
Goalkickers: Greg Parke 3, Gary Hardeman 2, Peter Keenan 1, Carl Ditterich 1, Stan Alves 1, Shane Fitzsimmons 1, Ross Brewer 1, Paul Callery 1, Mike Collins 1
On the strength of their pre-season hitout it seemed Melbourne weren't going anywhere in 1973. The Demons had won their match against Carlton two weeks before but looked stale against the Tigers.
It took them until late in the second quarter to score its first goal - they added four more in quick succession but the Tigers were a cut above. A number of fights broke out during the match, including Carl Ditterich vs Ricky McLean and Greg Parke vs Robert McGhie. The Parke/McGhie fracas caused a 20 man melee.
John Tilbrook was Melbourne's best in a dominating performance at full-back, along with Hardeman and Alves.
Media
Sun - 26/03/1973
Canberra Times - 26/03/1973
Age - 26/03/1973
Age - 26/03/1973