Round 1, 1954
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Monday 19 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 45,848
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.4 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 9.10.64 |
| Collingwood | 2.4 | 7.5 | 12.9 | 15.12.102 |
Collingwood win by 38 points
Goalkickers: Frank Adams 2, Lance Arnold 2, Dale Anderson 1, Peter Marquis 1, Geoff McGivern 1, Bob McKenzie 1, Stuart Spencer 1
Milestones:
First game
Laurie Mithen
Last game
Dale Anderson
The second worst team of 1953 was more than a match for their more highly fancied opponents in the first half of a match played in glorious sunshine. It took until late in the second quarter for Collingwood's 'short' game to take over, and their small men helped them put their nose in front just before half time.
Melbourne put the Pies under a physical barrage during the first half, their 'smash-through' football reminiscent of their premiership winning side from just a few years earlier. The premiers were badly shaken by the onslaught, and had to battle back from 17 points down early in the ame to a one point lead at half time with the help of a defence working hard to keep the Demon attackers at bay.
After the long break it was all Collingwood and they kicked four goals in seven minutes to take control. Melbourne fought on valiantly, but had issues with weak forward play and a deficiency in the ruck. Their lack of a spearhead wasted constant attacks from the middle.
Best were Mithen, Robinson and Beckwith. Mithen also hurt his knee, Arnold his thigh and Geoff McGivern his ankle. 19th men Gleeson and Gloury replaced McGivern and Mithen at half time and in the last quarter respectively.
Seconds (played Saturday 17 April)
Collingwood 9.11 d. Melbourne 8.13
Thirds
Melbourne 14.14.98 d. Collingwood 4.6.30
Media
Herald - 15/04/1954
Sporting Globe - 17/04/1954
Age - 17/04/1954
Argus - 19/04/1954
Sun - 19/04/1954, 20/04/1954
Age - 20/04/1954
Argus - 20/04/1954
Argus - 21/04/1954
Football Record R2 1954