Round 18, 1913
Melbourne vs Essendon
Saturday 30 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 5565
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.4 | 6.6.42 |
| Essendon | 3.7 | 4.10 | 6.14 | 6.16.52 |
Essendon win by 10 points
Goalkickers: Charlie Lilley 2, Ted Politz 2, Norm McDougall 1, Bill McKenzie 1
Milestones:
Last game
Eric Dimsey
George Knight
Norm McDougall (and first goal in 10th game)
Joe Pearce
Ted Politz
Jack Robertson
Hedley Tomkins
Last MFC game
Bill Daly
Fred Edwards
A disappointing campaign ended with Melbourne's 14th loss of 18 matches for the year. With both teams out of contention for the finals they turned on a limp affair for a small crowd on a rainy day. Both teams had turned in terrible campaigns. The defending premiers had missed out on the top four while Melbourne went backwards despite blooding a number of new players.
Essendon kicked the first two goals and had an 18 point lead at quarter time. Both teams were having trouble with the greasy conditions, and at one point Bobby Monk was reported to have violently kicked the ball into his own face. McDougall got Melbourne's third late in the quarter to cut the margin to 14.
With nine players in their side who would never turn out for them again, Melbourne stayed within range. Charlie Lilley played a fine game for Melbourne in the middle before hurting his shoulder and going forward where he bagged a pair of goals, including one kicked over his head.
The margin at the last change was 22, before Melbourne launched a spirited comeback in the final term to give the visitors a fright. Heavy rain fell but the two teams delivered the best play of the day, with Melbourne falling 10 points short.
Best were Watt, Tomkins and Allen.
Notes
Herald says Lilley had an injured leg
Media
Herald - 30/08/1913
Argus - 01/09/1913
Punch 05/09/1913
Leader - 06/09/1913
Football Record - 1913