Round 1, 1941
Melbourne vs Fitzroy
Saturday 26 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 14,740
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 4.3 | 8.6 | 13.8 | 13.12.90 |
| Fitzroy | 5.2 | 8.3 | 12.8 | 17.12.114 |
Fitzroy win by 24 points
Goalkickers: Bernie Neenan 4, Jack Mueller 3, Ron Baggott 2, Norm Smith 2, Roy Dowsing 1, Maurie Gibb 1
Milestones:
150 Games
Percy Beames
Last Game
Frank Williams
Mrs. JC Blair, wife of President Joe Blair, unfurled the 1940 premiership flag before the game but Melbourne were in for a shock at the hands of the Maroons. The dual champions seemed to take Fitzroy lightly, and were stunned in the first quarter by Fitzroy's quick play and teamwork. The visitors were as far as three goals ahead before two late majors helped get the margin back to five points.
The game slowed in the second quarter, and Melbourne used their aerial superiority to kick two goals and by half time were in front by three points. Two more goals early in the third term gave them a handy lead, before running into an improved Fitzroy defence that turned back a number of chances. They reeled in the margin and went into the last change a goal up.
Fitzroy were a side in a far better condition, and Melbourne were also poor in attack where players too often fought each other for the ball. They were caught early in the last quarter as the 'Roys went on to win easily.
Hope was not lost for the Demons though, they had also been defeated in Round 1, 1939 and Round 1, 1940 before going on to win the premiership.
Baggott, Gibb and Wartman were best. Lock was replaced by 19th man Baxter during the last quarter when he suffered a bruised foot.
Seconds
Fitzroy 15.17 d. Melbourne 13.12
Media
Sporting Globe - 26/04/1941
Argus - 28/04/1941
Sporting Globe - 30/04/1941
Football Record R2 1941