Round 18, 1957
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 24 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 35,751
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.5 | 8.6 | 13.10 | 18.12.120 |
| Richmond | 1.2 | 6.4 | 7.7 | 10.11.71 |
Melbourne win by 49 points
Goalkickers: Athol Webb 4, Robert B Johnson 3, Geoff Tunbridge 3, Frank Adams 2, Geoff Case 2, Ian Ridley 2, Dick Fenton-Smith 1, Ian McLean 1
Milestones:
Last MFC Game
Terry Mountain
After a surprise loss to lowly South Melbourne a week earlier the Demons had to win to ensure they finished on top, and to completely confirm their double chance.
In the end they had few problems against their nearest neighbours, who had lost two of their best players to injury during the week and had nothing to play for except pride.
The Tigers stayed with them in the first half through speed and aggression, but a handy early lead kept the Demons in front long enough to run the visitors off their legs. Throughout the game they managed to avoid the usual issues with inaccuracy which had dogged them throughout the year, and the weight of attacks driven from Melbourne's half-backs and centremen broke the TIgers.
It was Melbourne's equal highest score against the Tigers in 17 years and their biggest win since 1927.
Best were R. Johnson, Tunbridge and Gleeson. Gleeson was replaced by Mountain and Adams (cramp) by Brenchley during the last quarter. Don Williams suffered a bruised thigh.
Melbourne's task of winning their third consecutive premiership was made easier when Hawthorn, who had beaten them twice already during the year, suffered a surprise loss and dropped to third. It meant that after a week off the Demons would instead play Essendon who they had beaten twice.
Seconds
Melbourne 10.7 d. Richmond 8.17
Goals - Wilkinson 4, Crompton 2
Best - K. Mithen, Sandral, Crompton
Media
Age - 26/08/1957
Football Record 1957 Finals