Round 10, 1931
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday 11 July
Venue: Punt Road
Attendance: 11,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 1.2 | 4.9 | 5.14 | 8.18.66 |
| Melbourne | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4.9 | 7.11.53 |
Richmond win by 13 points
Goalkickers: George Margitich 4, Jimmy Davidson 1, Wyn Murray 1, Ivor Warne-Smith 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Harry Crapper
First Goal
Wyn Murray (41st game)
Another loss continued Melbourne's mid-season slump, and left them on the verge of being knocked out of finals contention at the end of the first round of games. Due to their recent troubles the Redlegs weren't expected to bother Richmond, but gave them a fright on a ground which resembled a lake more than it did a football field. Conditions were so bad that Bob Johnson asked to be omitted from the side when it became clear that he wouldn't be able to adapt to the conditions.
With Melbourne playing far better football than they had in their three previous losses, and many of Richmond's players below their best it was the Tigers' defence who were dominant and repelled many attacks from the visiting forwards. Favoured by a slight wind Melbourne got the first goal, and with their defence also playing well they held a 12 point lead at quarter time.
Two quick goals gave the home side an advantage early in the second quarter, and they held the Reds to three points for the term while adding 3.7. An equal third term saw Richmond only add a point to their lead before the last change. Each side kicked a goal to open the last quarter, and the margin was cut to as little as five points via a Margitich goal with 15 minutes to play. Melbourne couldn't get any closer and Richmond won.
Wet weather specialist Beames was best on ground, followed by Vine and Avery. The conditions caused Margitich to be hurt. 19th man was J. Collins. Webber Jackson was the late replacement for Johnson.
The loss dropped Melbourne to seventh on percentages, two games and 23% behind fourth placed Collingwood.
Seconds
Melbourne 13.8 d. Richmond 3.7
Goals - Comber 4, Lindsay 3, Horman 2, Conole 2, Kelly 2
Best - W. Collins, Coomber, Dudfield
Media
Herald - 10/07/1931
Sporting Globe - 11/07/1931
Sporting Globe - 11/07/1931
Age - 13/07/1931
Age - 13/07/1931
Australasian - 18/07/1931
Football Record R11 1931