Round 19, 1948
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 4 September
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 42,110
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.7 | 5.10 | 10.11 | 13.11.89 |
| Collingwood | 2.1 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 8.11.59 |
Melbourne win by 30 points
Goalkickers: Bob McKenzie 6, Adrian Dullard 2, Norm Smith 2, Alan McGowan 1, Noel McMahen 1, Eric Roscoe 1
Milestones:
First Goal
Alan McGowan (2nd game)
Melbourne and Collingwood found themselves assured of a place in the top four going into the last match of the season, but their last round clash would decide who would play in a semi final against Essendon.
The Pies lost their captain in a late change, but even without Kyne's leadership were helped to a narrow lead early by Melbourne's inaccurate kicking. They kicked five points before their first goal, 25 minutes into the opening quarter. They added two more by the end of the quarter, opening a 12 point lead.
Collingwood got the first goal of the second quarter, but well beaten in the air it took them until midway through the quarter to hit the lead. It didn't last long, Melbourne got back in front by half time, with debutant McGowan kicking the final goal of the half.
The Demons sparked early in the third quarter with three goals to Bob McKenzie which saw them take the lead and from then on it was a one-sided clash, and one of Melbourne's most convincing victories of the year. Two goals immediately after the start of the last quarter confirmed victory.
Best were Bickford, McLean and Deans. Jackson replaced Roscoe (thigh injury) at three quarter time. Crawley was an unused 20th man. Cordner was temporarily disabled in the first quarter after being kicked in the stomach.
Seconds
Collingwood 12.8 d. Melbourne 10.7
Media
Age - 03/09/1948
Sporting Globe - 04/09/1948
Herald - 04/09/1948
Football Record 1948 Finals
Age - 07/09/1948