Round 1, 1994
Melbourne vs Geelong
Sunday 27 March
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 39,741
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 6.3 | 12.8 | 17.14 | 26.18.174 |
| Geelong | 3.3 | 8.8 | 12.10 | 16.13.109 |
Melbourne win by 65 points
Goalkickers: Allen Jakovich 8, Garry Lyon 5, Andy Lovell 4, Jeff Hilton 3, Jim Stynes 1, Stephen Tingay 1
Brownlow Votes:
3 - Steven Tingay
2 - Garry Lyon
1 - Jeff Hilton
Milestones:
First Game
Paul Prymke
First MFC Game
Jeff Hilton
Statistical categories led:
Largest score against Geelong
Highest score in Round 1
After two disappointing seasons and a first round loss to the Brisbane Bears in the Fosters Cup expectations for the Demons in 1994 were low, but by the time the final siren went they'd racked up what remains their 8th highest score in VFL/AFL football history and sent a message that they'd be contenders.
Geelong had been the league's high scorers in recent seasons, and they kicked a fine losing score but were blown away by the combination of Allen Jakovich at full forward and David Schwarz at centre half-forward. Jakovich kicked 8.8 and lived up to his maverick status, high-fiving teenagers in the crowd after kicking a goal at the city end of the MCG. He had six to half time, and both he and Garry Lyon saw off three opponents during the afternoon.
Schwarz didn't kick a goal but his set-up work was crucial. At the other end Sean Wight restricted Geelong spearhead Gary Ablett to two goals, both in the last quarter.
Melbourne was 34 points in front at the last change before kicking nine goals to four in the last quarter. Neil Balme said he was concerned about the lack of match practice for his side, but: "That's the sort of standard we've got to try to play up to every week".
A footnote to the game was the re-appearance of headwear during a match. Jim Stynes wore a cap to reduce sun glare when resting in a forward pocket during the third term, having debuted the cap during the pre-season match against the Brisbane Bears.
Rod Grinter was reported for striking John Barnes during the third quarter but was cleared.
Reserves
Melbourne 16.17.113 d. Geelong 14.18.102
Goals - Hall 4, A. Campbell 3, Ridley 2, Clarke 2, Pike 1, Reade 1, Norman 1, Lamb 1, Hopgood 1
Best - Hall, Norman, Molloy
Video
Lists
Highest Scores
Tribunal
Notes
Some sources suggest Grinter was reported for charging.
Media
Canberra Times - 28/03/1994
Football Record R2 1994