Round 17, 1979
Fitzroy vs Melbourne
Saturday 28 July
Venue: Waverley
Attendance: 12,149
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Fitzroy | 7.7 | 14.14 | 26.17 | 36.22.238 |
| Melbourne | 2.1 | 2.5 | 4.8 | 6.12.48 |
Fitzroy win by 190 points
Goalkickers: Graham Gaunt 2, Ray Biffin 1, Jim Durnan 1, Gerard Healy 1, Peter Thorne 1
Milestones:
First goal
Jim Durnan (6th game)
Statistical categories led:
Largest loss in a match, against Fitzroy and at Waverley
Highest score conceded
Biggest loss in Round 17
After years of disappointment in the post-Norm Smith era, Melbourne finally crumbled to their lowest point, losing by the largest margin in VFL history. At the time it was also the highest score any side had conceded.
With Carl Ditterich reduced to coaching from the sidelines due to an ankle injury, and Robert Flower missing, the Demons were outclsased to an embarrassing degree. Fitzroy's Bob Beecroft kicked 10, as an 81 point half time lead was further extended by 12 goals in the third term, and another 10 in the final quarter. Not surprisingly the result led to speculation about Ron Barassi returning as senior coach. !
Reserves
Melbourne 27.19.181 d. Fitzroy 7.14.56
Goals - Moir 7, Gull 4, O'Donnell 4, Woodman 3, Bardoel 2, Flower 2, Maynard 2, Dellamarta 1, Wallace 1, Whitfort 1
Best - Burn, Wallace, Elshaug
Under 19s
Fitzroy 17.15.117 d. Melbourne 14.19.97
Goals - Boyle 3, Bickford 2, Richards 2, Vanderheyden 2, Adams 1, Cochrane 1, Logie 1, Todd 1, Walters 1
Lists
Highest Scores Conceded
100 point losses
Media
Age - 30/07/1979
Football Record R18 1979