Round 13, 1959
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Saturday 25 July
Venue: Victoria Park
Attendance: 30,343
1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final
| |
| Collingwood | 2.3 | 7.4 | 10.6 | 14.10.94 |
| Melbourne | 6.2 | 9.4 | 12.6 | 14.7.91 |
Collingwood win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Ron Barassi 4, Clyde Laidlaw 2, Hassa Mann 2, Ian Ridley 2, Geoff Tunbridge 2, Robert B Johnson 1, Alan Rowarth 1
Milestones:
Nil
After a terrible start to the season Collingwood had stormed up the ladder to the edge of the top four, and when they shocked the Demons with a come-from-behind victory the league's most successful side - and reigning premiers - were firmly back in the race for the flag.
The two sides put on an appropriately grand game, with Collingwood officials later describing it as one of the best games seen at Victoria Park for years.
With the wind behind their back the Demons ran away to an early lead, and three goals into the breeze in the second quarter kept them in front at the long break. Then Collingwood put in a heroic third quarter into the wind, breaking even with the visitors and giving them the chance to run away with the game in the last quarter. Much of their success came from Ray Gabelich neutralising Victorian state ruckman Bob Johnson and giving his midfielders first use of the ball.
It was Melbourne's chance to battle manfully into the wind in the last quarter, and they held Collingwood to under a goal in a thrilling finish. Most of the last few minutes was spent with the Demons battering the Magpie defence without reward. During time on Ron Barassi could have given Melbourne the lead but his kick narrowly missed.
Best were Mithen, Tassie Johnson and Barassi. Laidlaw (cut lip/concussion) was replaced by Thorogood in the second quarter. Adams was replaced by Crompton in the last quarter.
Despite the loss the Demons remained firmly inside the top four, and with an easy run of games to the end of the season they remained favourites to finish first.
Seconds
Collingwood 7.8 d. Melbourne 5.10
Goals - J. Leahy 1, Pinfold 1, Milner 1, Brenchley 1, Lord 1
Best - Lord, B. Leahy, McLeod
Thirds
Collingwood 8.11 d. Melbourne 7.6
Goals - Jeffrey 3, Miller 2, Anderson 1, WIlliams 1
Best - Miller, Petty, Steel
Media
"Magpie spirit brings great victory" - The Age 27/07/1959
Football Record R14 1959