Round 19, 1976
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 7 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 16,585
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.8 | 11.10 | 14.11 | 17.17.119 |
| Richmond | 5.2 | 7.8 | 11.9 | 13.11.89 |
Melbourne win by 30 points
Goalkickers: Steven Smith 4, Ray Biffin 3, Chris Woodman 3, Henry Coles 2, Ted Carroll 1, Robert Flower 1, Colin Graham 1, Peter O'Keefe 1, Greg Wells 1
Milestones:
First goal
Colin Graham (7th game)
Peter O'Keefe (4th game)
With the Tigers sliding towards their worst finish under Tom Hafey, Melbourne rebooted their season and started a run which ultimately saw them miss the finals by the narrowest of margins.
Former Tiger Craig McKellar monstered his old side in the ruck all day, and fellow Richmond reject Laurie Fowler was dominant at the drop of the ball. Ross Brewer and Henry Coles were also impressive in the midfield.
Ray Biffin kicked three goals in the second quarter and farmed another out to Steven Smith, and the Demons teamwork helped them cut a disappointing Richmond to shreds.
Speaking about his side's prospect for making the five Bob Skilton said "We realise that we have to win every game from now on - and win them well. But if we do and still don't make the five, at least we will have tried our best".
Best were Coles, Fowler and Brewer. Carroll and Alves were replaced by Davis and Hutchison respectively in the last quarter.
Reserves
Melbourne 11.18.84 d. Richmond 10.20.80
Goals - Walters 3, Kelly 2, Davidson 1, Fitzsimmons 1, Goss 1, Grambeau 1, Guy 1, Withers 1
Best - Withers, Davidson, Keays
Under 19s
Melbourne 16.8 defeated Richmond 14.15
Media
Age - 09/08/1976
Football Record - R20 1976