Round 3, 1919
Melbourne vs Richmond
Saturday 17 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 6,006
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 7.7.49 |
| Richmond | 3.4 | 4.9 | 9.10 | 11.14.80 |
Richmond win by 31 points
Goalkickers: Eric Tonkin 2, Jack Connole 1, George Haines 1, Jack Huntington 1, Con Kenney 1, Percy Love 1
Milestones:
First goal
Con Kenney (3rd game)
Melbourne suffered the third straight loss of their comeback season despite a promising first two half. The only aspect of the game they matched their opponents in was pace but they didn't have the petrol in the tank to go with the visitors after half time and Richmond ran away with the game.
Despite the defeat the Reds were vastly improved from their Round 2 defeat against South Melbourne, and held their own in most positions around the ground. Where they were beaten, and beaten comfortably was in the ruck and with even the usually reliable Allan well beaten it helped Richmond stay in front until half time.
The early signs were ominous, with Richmond kicking the first goal of the game in less than 10 seconds and adding another soon after. Melbourne then struck back, with goals to Haines and Tonkin equalising the count before the Tigers snuck in front with a late major.
Melbourne, who would go on to be winless for 1919, played a top quality second quarter and forced the Tiger defenders into service on many occasions. Unfortunately their forwards couldn't convert a number of chances and they only added two goals.
The third quarter was when the game was lost, Richmond rattling on 5.1 to 0.2 and despite a more even last quarter the damage had been done. Melbourne kept the handballs which had got them into so much trouble against South in check, but they were beaten by their next door neighbours big men.
McKenzie, Hall and House were best.
Media
Argus - 19/05/1919
Australasian - 24/05/1919
Richmond Guardian - 24/05/1919
Football Record - 1919