Round 12, 1949
Melbourne vs Geelong
Saturday 9 July
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 19,512
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.4 | 6.8 | 10.11 | 14.17.101 |
| Geelong | 3.7 | 5.8 | 12.13 | 14.14.98 |
Melbourne win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Adrian Dullard 4, Bob McKenzie 4, Eddie Craddock 2, Lance Arnold 1, Doug Heywood 1, Alan McGowan 1, Stan Rule 1
Milestones:
Nil
After finally making the top four for the first time all year at the halfway mark, Melbourne's challenge was then to stay there by beating a red hot Geelong side. The Pivotonians had thrashed them on the opening day of the season and the Demons were keen not only on revenge but on strengthening their claim on a finals berth. They won a constantly changing game where the lead constantly changed after quarter time.
Geelong had the better of the opening quarter, kicking the first three goals. Melbourne struck back with the last two of the quarter through Dullard. The visitors continued to be first to the ball in the second quarter, but the accurate passing of the first quarter deserted them and allowed the Demons to overtake them for a one goal lead at the half.
Melbourne was upset by Geelong's pace again in the third term, conceding a 14 point lead at the last change. For the second time the game turned, with the Demons quickly cutting the margin to five points. The sides then went goal-for-goal throughout the quarter before McKenzie and Arnold goalled to put Melbourne in front. White could have won the game for Geelong, but a shot 30 yards out on an angle went off the side of his boot. Geelong were attacking again when the siren went. Despite their seventh win in a row Melbourne were left hanging on in the four by their fingernails.
Denis Cordner, Bob McKenzie and Doug Heywood were Melbourne's best. McGowan replaced Mueller (leg injury) in the first quarter, and Carlon was an unused 20th man. Rule sprained his ankle and Heywood played most of the last quarter with a concussion. He couldn't remember kicking a goal after colliding with an opponent and laying still for several minutes then refusing medical attention.
Geelong later complained that a stretcher had not been provided when one of their players broke his leg. As the reserve couldn't enter the playing ground until he was removed they played a man short for 10 minutes. Melbourne refuted the claims
Seconds
Melbourne 11.10 d. Geelong 10.14
Thirds
Melbourne 10.11.71 d. Geelong 8.10.58
Media
Argus - 08/07/1949
Herald - 08/07/1949
Herald - 09/07/1949
Sporting Globe - 09/07/1949
Argus - 11/07/1949
Argus - 11/07/1949
Age - 12/07/1949
Sporting Globe - 13/07/1949
Argus - 14/07/1949
Football Record R13 1949