Round 1, 1931
Melbourne vs Fitzroy
Saturday 2 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 19,500
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.4 | 7.6 | 12.9 | 15.16.106 |
| Fitzroy | 2.1 | 5.5 | 10.8 | 14.10.94 |
Melbourne win by 12 points
Goalkickers: Robert C Johnson 6, George Margitich 4, George Cassidy 2, Ivor Warne-Smith 2, Howard Steel 1
Milestones:
MFC Debut
Bert Avery
In perfect conditions Melbourne opened the season against a side who hadn't won at the MCG since 1924, or beaten them since 1927. Early in the game the visitors looked a chance of correcting their poor record when they kicked first two goals of the game. Their defence also kept Melbourne at bay for most of the quarter, and if their forwards hadn't been wasteful they might have built up a winning lead.
Melbourne assumed control by quarter-time thanks to three goals from Johnson. Only brilliant defending by Fitzroy's backs stopped them from being even further behind at half time, with constant attacks held out as the Reds kicked four goals to three for the quarter.
In a repeat of the opening term the Maroons then kicked the first two goals of the third quarter to cut the margin to a point before Melbourne struck back with three in a row. Fitzroy continued to be poor in front of goal, missing two opportunities before their opposition went down the other end and kicked a goal. The Roys replied quickly, but it was only temporary relief.
A Margitich goal extended the lead to 19 points early in the last quarter before another three goals in a row gave Fitzroy a six point lead with less than five minutes to go. Johnson levelled the scores, before Margitich goalled from a crowded square to put his side in front. Cassidy added another for emphasis and the game was over.
Long, Johnson and Vine were best. Esposito suffered a leg injury and was replaced by Jackson late in the last quarter.
Seconds
Melbourne 16.17.118 d. Fitzroy 9.14.68
Media
Sporting Globe - 02/05/1931
Argus - 04/05/1931
Football Record R2 1931