Round 19, 1949
Hawthorn vs Melbourne
Saturday 27 August
Venue: Glenferrie Oval
Attendance: 9000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Hawthorn | 1.3 | 2.9 | 4.11 | 10.16.76 |
| Melbourne | 6.6 | 8.7 | 11.9 | 15.12.102 |
Melbourne win by 26 points
Goalkickers: Jack Mueller 4, Robert McKenzie 3, Jack Thomson 2, Len Toyne 2, Ken Carlon 1, Wally Lock 1, Colin Love 1, Alby Rodda 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Wally Lock
Col McLean
Len Toyne
Melbourne's loss to Essendon the previous Saturday had ruined their chances of playing in the finals unless they could kick a record score to bridge the percentage gap, but it was all academic as the Dons won anyway - and the defending premiers missed out on the top four.
With the use of a strong breeze Melbourne made the most of their chances in the first and third quarters, while Hawthorn hurt their chances by kicking 1.6 in the second term. Six goals to one opened a 33 point lead at quarter time, and they outscored their opposition two goals to one before half time.
Hawthorn changed tactics for the third quarter and kicked low to avoid Melbourne's high marking players. This helped them to be competitive but they lacked a forward to convert chances and conceded three goals to two. The game was well won in the last quarter, and with the end of the season rapidly approaching the Demons let Hawthorn cut the margin with six goals, but kicked the last two to win comfortably.
Best were Collins, McGrath and McKenzie. Reserve players Lock and Carlon replaced Toyne (ruised ribs) in the third quarter, and Rodda (bruised thigh) in the last quarter respectively. McKenzie also injured his ankle, leaving his team to finish the game with 17 men.
Seconds
Melbourne 19.15.129 d. Hawthorn 9.8.62
Goals - Arnold 8, Unknown 11
Notes
Herald gives the crowd as 6000.
Media
Argus - 24/08/1949
Herald - 26/08/1949
Herald - 27/08/1949
Football Record 1949 Finals