Round 1, 1957
Fitzroy vs Melbourne
Monday 22 April
Venue: Brunswick Street
Attendance: 24,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Fitzroy | 0.4 | 3.7 | 5.10 | 7.11.53 |
| Melbourne | 2.1 | 4.7 | 6.12 | 6.14.50 |
Fitzroy win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Geoff Tunbridge 2, Athol Webb 2, Robert B Johnson 1, Ian Ridley 1
Brownlow Votes:
Nil
Milestones:
Only Game
Bill Byrne
First Game
John Lord
Geoff Tunbridge (and first goal)
Last Game
Tony Bull
Having been tipped by many to slide down the ladder in 1957 after losing a number of premiership players, the Demons still went in favourites after their showing in intra-club practice matches but seemed to confirm supporters worst fears when they fell to the side who had finished 8th in 1956.
Fitzroy, playing under the name 'the Lions' for the first time, entered the game with a well-designed planned to crowd the Demons on their small ground. The move left Melbourne players fighting with each other for balls in packs while the Lions had a player on the outside ready to sweep it away towards their goal.
With both side's defences dominating the Lions started the last quarter eight points behind, kicking into a slight breeze but unlike Melbourne in the third quarter they weren't wasteful with their shooting and took full advantage to snatch victory. The Demons had a late chance to snatch the game but missed a sitter and were defeated.
At the final siren their captain Bill Stephens was chaired from the ground by jubilant supporters.
Best were Williams, Beckwith and Marquis. T. Johnson was replaced by Atkinson (ankle).
The Seconds premiership flag from the previous season was unveiled by Mrs Sam Brownbill, wife of the seconds president, before the two clubs played their match at the Albert Ground.
Seconds
Melbourne 16.15 d. Fitzroy 15.17
Thirds
Fitzroy 8.11 d. Melbourne 3.12
Media
Age - 23/04/1957
Age - 24/04/1957
Football Record R2 1957