Round 13, 1897
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Saturday 31 July
Venue: Victoria Park
Attendance: Unknown
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Collingwood | 0.2 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 5.13.43 |
| Melbourne | 1.5 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 3.10.28 |
Collingwood win by 15 points
Goalkickers: Jack Leith 1, Fred McGinis 1, Wally Steele 1
Milestones:
Nil
After three straight wins Melbourne came undone at Victoria Park when they had to send out an understrength side missing McCulloch, Fry, Wardill, Sheehan, McLeod and Massey.
With the aid of the wind in the first quarter they had the chance to establish a good lead, but could only manage one goal from six shots and were kept at bay by Collingwood's strong defence. The Magpies made no such mistake, kicking four goals in a ten minute burst amongst five for the second quarter to break them.
Melbourne added just one more goal in the third quarter, and despite a brief burst at the start of the final term Collingwood finished better. Melbourne had not found the condition of the ground to their liking, but they may have been beaten anyway. Collingwood won the ruck and their backs were far better than Melbourne's forwards.
Best were Moysey, McGinis and Sutton.
Media
Age - 02/08/1897
Argus - 02/08/1897
Table Talk - 06/08/1897
Australasian - 07/08/1897