Round 3, 1976
Essendon vs Melbourne
Monday 19 April
Venue: Windy Hill
Attendance: 21,167
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 6.4 | 9.4 | 11.5 | 15.8.98 |
| Melbourne | 2.1 | 8.4 | 15.8 | 20.13.133 |
Melbourne win by 35 points
Goalkickers: Greg Wells 5, Ross Brewer 4, Robert Flower 2, Shane Grambeau 2, Craig McKellar 2, Stan Alves 1, Henry Coles 1, Allan Davis 1, Gary Hardeman 1, Steven Smith 1
Milestones:
Nil
The Bombers started well but wilted against a faster, more determined Demons who notched their first win at Windy Hill since 1971 and their second of 1976.
During the first quarter Essendon were as much as five goals in front but the margin was slashed to one at half time and they went into the last change four goals behind.
Six goals in thirteen minutes during the third were the difference, but Bob Skilton could be credited with several tactical wins. Ross Brewer kicked his four goals after being thrown to full-forward while Gary Hardeman moving to ruck-rover from the backline was a winner.
Best were Ray Smith, Hardeman and Wells. Baker (dislocated finger) was replaced by Campbell in the second quarter. Keays had a groin injury and Hardeman hurt his shoulder. Fitzsimmons was an unused reserve.
Reserves
Essendon 15.16 d. Melbourne 12.9
Goals - Giampaolo 2, Wilkins 2, Mills 2, Carroll 2, Guy 1
Best - Wingate, M. Alves, Sullivan
Under 19s
Melbourne 14.21 d. Essendon 9.7.61
Goals - Fraser 7, Hutchison 2, Tippett 2, Arundale 1, Zubin 1, Fergus 1
Best - Hutchison, Davidson, Ough
Media
Age - 20/04/1976
Age - 28/04/1976
Football Record R4 1976