Round 12, 1965
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 17 July
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 36,839
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.2 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 9.6.60 |
| Richmond | 3.6 | 4.8 | 7.11 | 9.12.66 |
Richmond win by 6 points
Goalkickers: Barrie Vagg 3, John Lord 2, John Townsend 2, Jim Leitch 1, Frank Vearing 1
Milestones:
Nil
The Demons first home game against their new tenants ended in their third loss in four games row, leaving their 1965 campaign balancing precariously after a strong start.
The quicker Tigers, with their dominant ruck division, opened up a ten point lead at the first break but could have been even further in front if not for inaccurate goalkicking.
When rain started to fall in the second term, curbing the speed and big man advantage of Richmond, Melbourne hit back to level the scores at half time but a three goal to nil third quarter gave the 'visitors' the upper hand going into the last term.
Melbourne struck back and got to within a point when Barry Vagg kicked his third goal of the last quarter with five minutes to play but Richmond steadied to hold on and kick a goal to extend the margin back to seven points. Melbourne managed to add another point but the Tigers cleared the ball easily and were deep in attack when the siren went.
Best were Townsend, Crompton and Tassie Johnson. Anderson (ill) was replaced in the selected side by McLean. Alves (concussion) was replaced by Vearing in the second quarter, and Lord (bruised ankle) was replaced by Rattray at three quarter time. Rattray had also played nearly the full four quarters in the Reserves game before being promoted to 20th man.
Norm Smith was sensationally sacked after the game. The legendary Checker Hughes was then called upon to coach the next match before Smith was reinstated.
Reserves
Richmond 9.10 d. Melbourne 8.8
Goals - Gallus 3, Quirk 2, Bartlett 2, Stone 1
Best - Rowe, Quirk, Foster
Under 19's
Melbourne 9.8 d. Richmond 7.5
Goals - Marr 4, Osborne 1, Saddington 1, Jungwirth 1, Little 1, Salmon 1
Best - Marr, Jungwirth, Hunter
Media
Age - 17/07/1965
Football Record R13 1965
Age - 19/07/1965