Round 16, 1948
North Melbourne vs Melbourne
Saturday 14 August
Venue: Arden Street
Attendance: 6000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| North Melbourne | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 5.12.42 |
| Melbourne | 2.10 | 3.10 | 9.13 | 10.14.74 |
Melbourne win by 32 points
Goalkickers: Norm Smith 4, Noel McMahen 3, Eddie Craddock 1, Bob McKenzie 1, Alby Rodda 1
Milestones:
Nil
With the match played in a a howling gale it was no surprise that neither side was very accurate, but it didn't explain why North could only muster up one goal in the first three quarters.
Melbourne were wasteful in the first term, holding the Shinboners scoreless but only managing two goals from 12 scoring shots themselves. The ball was continuously kept in one pocket, with all the players congregating around it, and with the visitors wasting so many chances North were unable to clear it down their end for a scoring opportunity.
When they had their chance with the wind North found Melbourne's defence impenetrable, managing just four behinds. Despite going into the breeze Melbourne extended their lead by two points when they kicked the only goal of the term.
The return of Shane McGrath and Col McLean to the Melbourne defence helped them as much as the conditions did, and they were as dominant in holding North out as Norm Smith - also returning to the side - was in kicking four goals despite the weather at the other.
North improved after half time and were in range twice against the wind but couldn't get past Melbourne's backs. They then conceded five goals in a row and an insurmountable lead. The last quarter was their best all day but Melbourne successfully packed their defence and held on for a comfortable win.
It was North's lowest score against Melbourne since 1929. The victory gave Melbourne a game and 2% percentage break on fifth placed Fitzroy and 2.6% percentage break on Carlton in sixth.
Best were Smith, McLean and McGrath. Roscoe replaced Bowman at three-quarter time, O'Rourke was an unused 20th man.
Seconds
Melbourne 11.13 d. North Melbourne 2.6
Notes
Sporting Globe gives the crowd as 8000
Lists
Scoreless first quarters
Media
Sporting Globe - 14/08/1948
Football Record R17 1948