Round 1, 1923
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 5 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 17,939
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.3 | 4.4 | 6.8 | 7.8.50 |
| Richmond | 2.2 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 7.13.55 |
Richmond win by 5 points
Goalkickers: George Haines 2, Richard Taylor 2, Harry Harker 1, Vern Moore 1, Bill Shelton 1
Milestones:
First Game
Derek Mollison
MFC Debut
Jim Makin
Melbourne and Richmond had become known for putting on thrilling matches in recent seasons, and their opening encounter of the year was no different with the Tigers coming from behind to sneak victory by less than a goal after being 11 points behind at the final change.
The home side started better due to a pace advantage on the firm turf and would have been further than seven points in front at the first change if Richmond's defence hadn't kept them at bay. Dominance in the air helped the home team to the lead, and though they fell narrowly behind at half time an 11 point buffer was re-established in the third term.
In the last quarter Richmond's centremen came into their own, and Melbourne were unable to defend the lead. The Reds kept getting the ball forward but were held out by strong defence, and in the last few minutes Richmond profited from a dubious mark to kick the goal which put them in front and won the game.
Flanagan, Corbett and Chadwick were best.
Seconds
Richmond 10.13.73 d. Melbourne 8.15.63
Media
Argus - 07/05/1923
Sporting Globe - 09/05/1923
Sporting Globe - 09/05/1923
Football Record R1 1923