Round 1, 1912
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 27 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 10,585
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.6 | 3.8 | 8.11 | 9.14.68 |
| Collingwood | 1.1 | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.9.39 |
Melbourne win by 29 points
Goalkickers: Harry Brereton 5, Tim Lane 2, Bill Hendrie 1, Bobby Monk 1
Milestones:
First Game
Bert Francis
Tim Lane (and first goal)
MFC Debut
Jack Bristow
After an encouraging end to the 1911 season when they'd won two of their last three games, Melbourne opened the new campaign with a victory.
The home side blooded two VFL rookies, while Collingwood had four in their number, and Melbourne jumped out of the blocks quicker than their notoriously slow starting opponents, and even though they were inaccurate in the first quarter the gap was enough for them hold onto the lead at half time and then run away with the match in the second half. They benefited from better team system, in contrast to the visitors' individual brilliance.
Collingwood had enjoyed as much of the play as their opponents in the first half, but they were devoid of system going forward and it cost them dearly. They were much improved with the wind in the second quarter before being swept away in the third. The Magpies lost all their dash and their system deserted them again. Brereton got two goals in row, followed by one each from Hendrie and Tompkins within two minutes to kill the contest. Just before the bell debutant Lane scored a major from a place kick 60 yards out.
Coach Alex Hall said it was "The best game the team has given us for years. Their passing, handball and picking out the men were excellent. I only hope every game will be as fair and clean. Then win or lose, I shall be satisfied."
Best were Tompkins, McKenzie and Brereton.
Media
Argus - 29/04/1912
Punch - 02/05/1912
Football Record R2, 1912