Round 1, 1938
Geelong vs Melbourne
Saturday 23 April
Venue: Corio Oval
Attendance: 16,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Geelong | 8.4 | 10.6 | 15.11 | 17.13.115 |
| Melbourne | 4.1 | 12.8 | 16.10 | 20.12.132 |
Melbourne win by 17 points
Goalkickers: Norm Smith 6, Ron Baggott 5, Hugh Murnane 4, Percy Beames 2, Ron Barassi 1, John Lewis 1, Lou Reiffel 1
Milestones:
First Game
Ted Regan
Statistical categories led:
Biggest score at Corio Oval
Matched up against the reigning premiers on a own ground where they hadn't lost once during 1937, Melbourne served notice that they would be a contender in 1938 with an upset victory and their largest ever score at Corio.
The Pivotonians unfurled their premiership flag and ran away to an eight goal first quarter, but from there it was all Melbourne. The margin was reduced to under a goal at the last change but the visitors held on to win.
Geelong had ended the 1937 season with 14 straight victories, including a thumping win against Melbourne in the Semi Final, so when they opened up a four goal lead with the wind in the first quarter it looked as if they were going continue their great run.
In the second quarter Melbourne surprisingly used the breeze to even better advantage, and by the long break they were 14 points in front thanks to five goals in a row to Norm Smith.
In a high quality match the reds managed to hold their opponents to five goals in the third term while kicking four goals of their own and with the breeze favouring them in the last term won easily after withstanding the home side briefing snatching the lead.
With barely a weak link in their side the Demons ran Geelong off their feet with pace and by handing "the Pivot" their first loss on their home turf since early 1936 showed that they would be contenders.
It was Melbourne's best ever score against Geelong and in the first game of a season to that point.
Mueller was Melbourne's best up front and Roberts was equally good at the other end. Hugh Murnane also impressed with his ruckwork and four goals. Rowley Fischer suffered a concussion and back injury after a second quarter collision and was taken to Geelong Hospital - he was replaced after half time by Barassi.
Seconds
Melbourne 15.13 d. Geelong 11.18
Goals - Glass 6, Unknown 9
Media
Age - 25/04/1938
Herald - 25/04/1938
Australasian - 30/04/1938
Football Record 1938