Round 4, 1947
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday 10 May
Venue: Punt Road
Attendance: 16,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 2.2 | 4.6 | 6.10 | 10.12.72 |
| Melbourne | 6.4 | 8.6 | 15.10 | 18.12.120 |
Melbourne win by 48 points
Goalkickers: Fred Fanning 9, Frank O'Connor 3, Lance Arnold 2, Adrian Dullard 2, Alby Rodda 2
Milestones:
Nil
Both sides were in trouble at 1-2 for the season, and with a tough run of games to come Melbourne had to win to stay in the early running for a spot in the top four. Thanks to a dominant goalkicking performance by Fred Fanning they got the job done, extending a four goal lead to nine at three quarter time before easing off and breaking even with the Tigers in the final term.
Led by acting captain Shane McGrath, in the absence of Norm Smith and Jack Mueller, the Demons kicked against the wind in the first quarter but soon had the first two goals on the board. Richmond recovered to kick two for the quarter, but conceded six to the free-scoring visitors.
In a game marred by poor disposal, Melbourne played with a better system. Their four goal lead held to the half, before Richmond launched a brief rally in the third, inspired by a number of positional changes. Two Fanning goals shut the door on their comeback, bringing up his sixth and seventh goals of the game. Unbeatable in the air, Melbourne extended the lead to 54 points at the last change.
With the sting out of the game, Richmond narrowly won the final quarter. It was still their biggest loss to Melbourne in 20 years.
Best were McGrath, Lock and McLean. O'Rourke and W. Scanlan were unused reserves.
Seconds
Richmond 18.14 d. Melbourne 9.22
Thirds
Melbourne 8.5.63 d. Richmond 7.13.55
Media
Sporting Globe - 10/05/1947
Age - 12/05/1947
Football Record R5 1947