Round 3, 1977
Melbourne vs North Melbourne
Saturday 16 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 19,543
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 4.3 | 7.8 | 10.13 | 14.18.102 |
| North Melbourne | 5.2 | 9.3 | 12.6 | 16.9.105 |
North Melbourne win by 3 points
Goalkickers: Garry Baker 2, Henry Coles 2, Colin Graham 2, Greg Wells 2, Ross Brewer 1, Des Campbell 1, Allan Davis 1, Robert Flower 1, Frank Giampaolo 1, Chris Woodman 1
Milestones:
Nil
In a week where Bob Skilton had ordered "How to Kick" handbooks to be handed out to his senior players after two losses to start the season, the Demons nearly pulled off a huge upset against one of the premiership contenders, but despite having seven more scoring shots they lost due to their inaccurate kicking. With the Stan Alves saga still unresolved, the former Melbourne captain was in the stands cheering on the opposition while waiting for his clearance.
Three goals in as many minutes deep into the last quarter had dragged them to within a kick, but then wild shots at goal by Colin Graham and Robert Flower flew out of bounds on the full. Chris Woodman also had a chance to win the match but kicked off the side of his boot from a set shot in the last minute.
With Ray Biffin lost to a fractured dislocation of his right thumb at half-time the Demon forward line lacked marking power, and when they couldn't kick straight either it was a double whammy which cost them victory.
The loss dropped the Demons to 0-3 and left their season in tatters.
Best were Flower, Fowler and Coles. Biffin was replaced by Campbell at half time, who was then replaced by Moir in the last quarter after an ankle injury.
Reserves
North Melbourne 26.15.171 d. Melbourne 8.24.72
Goals - Aitken 2, Carroll 2, Walley 2, Geddes 1, Johnston 1
Best - Lyons, Marchant, Flower
Under 19s
North Melbourne 24.15.159 d. Melbourne 11.8.74
Goals - Hayes 4, Quine 2, Boccabella 1, Durnan 1, Jones 1, Pittard 1, Thomas 1
Best - Salter, Boccabella, Richards
Notes
Biffin also shown as having a broken hand
Media
Age - 16/04/1977
Age - 18/04/1977
Football Record R4 1977