Round 22, 1984
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday 1 September
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 21,565
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 3.7 | 8.12 | 17.16 | 21.19.145 |
| Melbourne | 4.2 | 9.6 | 12.7 | 18.9.117 |
Richmond win by 28 points
Goalkickers: John Fidge 5, David Cordner 3, Greg Healy 2, Brian Wilson 2, Paul Earley 1, Peter Moore 1, Russell Richards 1, Frank Rugolo 1, Xavier Tanner 1, David Williams 1
Brownlow Votes:
Nil
Milestones:
Only Game and first goal
Paul Earley
Last Game
Michael Howard
Last MFC Game
Roger Ellingworth
Having blown their chance at playing finals with a terrible ending to the year a final round clash in the 1st of September was as close as the Demons got to the finals. They had dispatched wooden spooners St Kilda the week before, and even though it meant nothing in the grand scheme of things were handed the chance to rack up another victory to end the year against a Richmond side that had lost 10 of their last 13
The two sides were locked together at half time, but a nine goal to three third term by the Tigers meant that they were the ones going into their summer break on a high.
Given the way his side’s season ended, it was no surprise that Ron Barassi was “disgusted” with his side’s effort. He also risked charges of blasphemy by criticising the recent performances of Robert Flower, suggesting Flower was down on his best due to a back injury. The coach said he was happy with his younger players, but that he wanted: “five or six players with a consistently strong attitude, players who want the ball and want to win and who really want this club to win. We need physical players”.
The win put Richmond above Melbourne on the final ladder and saw the Demons only finish 9th in front of the Swans on percentage. Both sides had been four games clear of North Melbourne and St Kilda at the bottom of the table but it was another depressing year for Demon fans despite having promised so much in July.
Irish recruit Paul Earley debuted, starting on the wing then moving into defence but was beaten handily by future Demon Michael Pickering.
Peter Giles, John Fidge and Alan Jarrott were best for Melbourne.
Another future Demon, Phil Egan was reported for striking David Williams before the first bounce when the Melbourne player tried to shake his hand. Egan was suspended for four weeks.
Video
Reserves
Melbourne 36.18.234 d. Richmond 18.8.116
Goals - Thorne 5, Battiston 4, Connolly 4, Hutchison 3, Hutchinson 3, Fidge 3, O'Donnell 3, Wright 3, Withers 3, Tossol 2, Bailey 1, Reynolds 1, O'Sullivan 1
Best - Thorn, Connolly, Battiston
Under 19's
Richmond 18.11.119 defeated Melbourne 16.11.107
Goals - Stoney 5, Paul McCarty 4, Lane 2, Chant 2, Marra 1, McLean 1, Callendar 1
Best - Rugolo, Burke, Louttit
Media
Canberra Times - 02/09/1984
Age - 03/09/1984
Age - 04/09/1984
Football Record Finals 1984