Round 18, 1961
Carlton vs Melbourne
Saturday 26 August
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 21,863
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Carlton | 4.1 | 7.4 | 12.11 | 13.12.90 |
| Melbourne | 2.4 | 8.8 | 9.9 | 13.13.91 |
Melbourne win by 1 point
Goalkickers: Robert B Johnson 3, Geoff Tunbridge 3, Ray Nilsson 2, Alan Rowarth 2, Ron Barassi 1, Ray Dawson 1
Milestones:
First Game
Mike Collins
Last Game
George Milner
150 Games
Ron Barassi
In a dead rubber with no bearing on the future of either side, Melbourne and Carlton nevertheless turned out a thrilling contest, with the visitors running over the top in the last quarter to snatch victory.
Carlton had been the better side for most of the game, and brilliant bursts in both the second and the last quarter put them in a winning position before Melbourne kicked three goals in five minutes to win. With nothing to play for, Melbourne's performance didn't cause much panic, but Carlton exposed many of their weaknesses, often beaten in the ruck and in the middle.
Best were B. Johnson, Roet and Tunbridge. Lord (sore feet) was replaced by Collins in the last quarter. Milner was an unused reserve in his last game.
Reserves
Melbourne 15.12 d. Carlton 11.18
Goals - Anderson 3, Ireland 3, Matthews 3, Leslie 2, Thorpe 1, Breen 1, Mooney 1, Ingwersen 1
Best - Ireland, Leslie, Eastgate
Media
Age - 26/08/1961
Age - 28/08/1961
Football Record R1 Finals 1961