Round 1, 1952
Melbourne vs Geelong
Saturday 19 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 24,679
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.4 | 8.5 | 12.13 | 14.13.97 |
| Geelong | 4.1 | 10.6 | 14.11 | 15.13.103 |
Geelong win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Noel Clarke 3, Denis Cordner 3, Geoff McGivern 3, Ken Albiston 2, John Beckwith 1, Bill Smeaton 1, Stuart Spencer 1
Milestones:
First MFC Game
Ken Albiston
Only MFC Game
Ian Toyne
First game as coach
Norm Smith
On paper a match against the reigning premiers seemed like a nightmare draw for a side that had won just one game the year before, but it took until the final few minutes for the Cats to be sure of a victory on their travels.
In cold, biting rain Geelong won in defence and on the wings, but they couldn't put the match away. They scored first but soon the Demons took control and a lead into quarter time. The second term startled in the same fashion but Melbourne couldn't capitalise on their early dominance and by the time the visitors steadied they were able to take a two goal lead into the long break.
The Demons had their chances in the third but kicked for goal poorly. In the last it was only the Melbourne backline that kept them in the game, holding Geelong to 1.2 from constant attack. Two late goals got the margin under a goal but time ran out before they could attack again.
Best were Woods, Bickford and Collins.
Seconds
Geelong 18.22 d. Melbourne 6.13
Thirds
Melbourne 6.12 drew Geelong 7.6
Media
Age - 19/04/1952
Argus - 21/04/1952
Argus - 21/04/1952
Football Record R2 1952