Round 18, 1951
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday 1 September
Venue: Punt Road
Attendance: 10,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 3.7 | 7.10 | 10.14 | 18.16.124 |
| Melbourne | 3.1 | 7.1 | 11.5 | 14.11.95 |
Richmond win by 29 points
Goalkickers: Noel Clarke 6, Denis Cordner 2, Alan Daly 1, Doug Heywood 1, Tom McLean 1, Ron McMahon 1, George O'Keeffe 1, Mike Woods 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Alan Daly
Doug Heywood
First Goal
Tom McLean (11th game)
Ron McMahon (5th game)
George O'Keeffe (9th game)
The story of Melbourne's season had been pushing better sides late into matches before fading away to lose, and yet again it was a late fadeout which cost the Demons victory in the last match of the year and left them with just one win from the season, their worst return since the post-World War I side of 1919 failed to win any matches.
Clarke once again starred up front, but at the other end 18-year-old Richmond full forward Peter Schofield was helping himself to seven majors. Early superiority in the air by Melbourne gave them the early advantage in a fast paced game, but they were unable to regularly break through Richmond's strong defence. Two goals to Clarke in quick succession and another from Heywood gave them the lead, before they lost it with a goal to Schofield on the bell.
The sides kicked four goals each in the second quarter, Melbourne getting the first three and Richmond the last three to leave the game in the same position as it had been at quarter time. The home side finally broke away with quick goals after half time, before Melbourne again hit back to stay in touch. It left the margin three points at the last change.
Richmond again kicked three early goals, and again Melbourne fought back. The Tigers eventually steadied to kick eight last quarter goals and hold on for a comfortable win, leaving the Demons with one victory for the season.
Best were Collins, Robinson and Cordner. I. McLean replaced Lane (leg injury) and Thomson replaced Christie, both in the last quarter.
Seconds
Richmond 18.15.123 d. Melbourne 9.13.67
Media
Age - 31/08/1951
Sporting Globe - 01/09/1951
Argus - 03/09/1951
Football Record 1951 finals