Round 2, 1954
Carlton vs Melbourne
Saturday 24 April
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 21,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Carlton | 6.3 | 7.4 | 10.10 | 12.10.82 |
| Melbourne | 3.1 | 9.5 | 12.6 | 15.11.101 |
Melbourne win by 19 points
Goalkickers: Frank Adams 4, Bob McKenzie 4, Ron Barassi 2, Noel Clarke 2, Stuart Spencer 2, Peter Marquis 1
Milestones:
First game
Clyde Laidlaw
First goal
Ron Barassi (7th game)
After an encouraging, but ultimately fruitless, performance against Collingwood in the opening round Melbourne got their season going a week later.
With a high wind blowing across the ground for most of the afternoon, the Blues went into quarter time three goals in front, but a six goal to one second term by the Demons when they had their chance with the breeze gave them a two goal advantage at half-time. Melbourne were the quicker side and tackled better, and a ruck advantage in the second term helped them get on top. It didn't hurt that the Blues lost two vital players before the match started, and had two more injuries during the match. Ruckman Jack Howell had three goals in the first quarter before succumbing to his injury, allowing Melbourne to take over at the stoppages.
Melbourne kicked three goals into the wind in the third, and held on in the final term despite not getting the benefits they might have hoped for. Carlton dragged the margin back to two goals deep into the last quarter before Clarke sealed the result.
Williams, Collins and McMahen were best. Williams (ankle) was replaced by Case in the last quarter. Gloury was named as a reserve, but promoted to the senior side to replace Beckwith (flu). He was replaced on the bench by Bull, who was not used.
Seconds
Carlton 13.8 d. Melbourne 8.10
Goals - Unknown
Best - Wilson
Thirds
Carlton 7.3 d. Melbourne 6.6
Links
Blueseum profile
Media
Herald - 23/04/1954
Sun - 23/04/1954
Sporting Globe - 24/04/1954
Argus - 26/04/1954
Age - 26/04/1954
Football Record - R3 1954