Round 13, 1971
Melbourne vs Footscray
Saturday 26 June
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 28,471
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 4.5 | 5.8 | 6.12 | 11.13.79 |
| Footscray | 2.2 | 7.4 | 10.7 | 12.8.80 |
Footscray win by 1 point
Goalkickers: John Tilbrook 3, Lloyd Burgmann 2, Denis Clark 2, John Townsend 2, Ray Carr 1, Graham Molloy 1
Milestones:
First goal
John Tilbrook (2nd game)
After watching Ross Dillon kick 11 in the reserves, seniors full-forward Ray Carr went goalless until he was replaced in the last quarter. Carr had only just been brought back into the side after earlier demanding a clearance to the VFA to play with Oakleigh but failed when given a chance. He was part of a forward line that cost his side victory. John Tilbrook was potent late in the game as the Demons threw everything at the Dogs to grab a victory but their Bulldogs defenders repelled every forward thrust.
Ian Ridley managed to urge a final supreme effort out of his players to try and overturn a 19 point 3/4 time deficit, and they nearly managed it as the Bulldogs began to switch off. Late on Melbourne levelled the scores before Bulldog reserve Bill Godridge kicked the winning point to deliver the four points for the visitors. There was controversy as many supporters believed the Demons should have been paid a mark before Godridge's goal.
Best were Wells, Biffin and Callery. Alves (ankle) was replaced by Leary at half time and Carr by Sinclair during the last quarter.
The loss proved costly, dropping the Demons to fourth - just a game and percentage above fifth placed Richmond and sixth placed Carlton.
Reserves
Melbourne 29.12 d. Footscray 11.6
Goals - Dillon 11, H. Ritterman 3, Lawrie 3, Collins 2, Colcott 2, Theodore 2, Honey 2, Lakes 1
Best - Dillon, McKenzie, Walker
Under 19s
Melbourne 16.10 d. Footscray 9.7
Goals - Taylor 4, Dilnot 3, Anderson 2, Brewer 2, MacDonald 1, Moore 1, O'Kane 1, Williamson 1
Best - Dilnot, Kerley, MacDonald
Lists
One point games
Media
Age - 28/06/1971
Inside Football - June 1971