Round 1, 1965
Richmond vs Melbourne
Monday 19 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 36,283
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 3.2 | 3.4 | 6.4 | 6.5.41 |
| Melbourne | 1.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 7.5.47 |
Melbourne win by 6 points
Goalkickers: Barry Bourke 2, Barrie Vagg 2, Graeme Jacobs 1, John Lord 1, John Townsend 1.
Milestones:
First Game
Hugh Bromell
The Tigers had moved into the MCG as co-tenants during the off-season, but despite playing at their own ground as the away team for the first time the Demons ruined Richmond's housewarming party with a narrow victory in rainy conditions.
A five goal to nil second quarter gave the Demons a comfortable lead before they had their own goalless quarter in the third. With the wind favouring them Melbourne kicked the only goal of the final term through Barrie Vagg to hold on to victory.
Terrible conditions didn't help make the match a spectacle, and even Norm Smith, taking on his brother Len in the coaching stakes, said "we were lucky to win" after the match. Len had set his side for the opening game for weeks, training them three nights a week to improve their physical fitness. His side ran the game out better but their failure to kick a goal in the last quarter cost them victory.
Reserves
Melbourne 8.8.56 d. Richmond 6.15.51
Goals - Wood 3, Andrew 2, Sheppard 1, Vearing 1, Collins 1
Under 19s
Richmond 11.11.77 d. Melbourne 9.10.64
Media
Age - 19/04/1965
Age - 21/04/1965
Football Record R2 1965