Round 1, 1999
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 27 March
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 47,620
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 4.7 | 10.10 | 13.13 | 14.20.104 |
| Richmond | 5.2 | 8.4 | 11.5 | 13.9.87 |
Melbourne win by 17 points
Goalkickers: Jeff Farmer 6, Brent Grgic 3, David Neitz 3, James McDonald 1, David Schwarz 1
Brownlow votes:
3 - Jeff Farmer
2 - Stephen Tingay
1 - Shane Woewodin
Milestones:
First game
Chris Lamb
Luke Ottens
First MFC game
Scott Chisholm
The retired Jim Stynes received a rousing ovation as he ran out with the team and took a celebratory lap around the MCG before the first bounce, then saw his old side run out comfortable winners to start the new season. Jeff Farmer had switched to number 8 but otherwise carried on where he'd left off in 1998, kicking four goals in the first half and six overall. His last sealed victory at the 22 minute mark of the last quarter after Richmond had closed to 10 points behind.
The margin was significantly less than when Melbourne ruined Richmond's finals chances in Round 22, 1998 and turned out to be a false start in a season where the Demons only won five more games.
Best were Farmer, Viney and Woewodin. Brent Grgic injured his hamstring.
Reserves
Richmond 15.14.104 d. Melbourne 12.16.88
Goals - Robertson 4, Beams 2, Smoker 2, Godfrey 1, Walsh 1, Bruce 1, Bell 1
Best - Walsh, Peverill, Ferraro
Media
Sun-Herald - 28/03/1999
Canberra Times - 29/03/1999
Football Record R2 1999