Round 4, 1985
Melbourne vs Footscray
Saturday 20 April
Venue: Waverley
Attendance: 20,797
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.2 | 6.9 | 9.11 | 14.18.102 |
| Footscray | 5.3 | 8.6 | 11.9 | 12.11.83 |
Melbourne win by 19 points
Goalkickers: Brian Wilson 5, Bret Bailey 1, Adrian Battiston 1, David Cordner 1, John Fidge 1, Rod Grinter 1, Alan Johnson 1, Paul Payne 1, Russell Richards 1, Mark Withers 1
Brownlow votes:
3 - Mark Withers
1 - Brian Wilson
Milestones:
100 games
Brian Wilson (also with Footscray/North Melbourne)
After struggling against the Bulldogs for three quarter the undermanned Demons broke free in the last quarter of a game played in 30 degree heat. They'd lost Peter Moore and Robert Flower before half time to a neck injury and fractured collarbone respectively, and were effectively reduced to 17 men when Peter Giles was forced to move from defence into attack for the last quarter because he was suffering double vision after a concussion. Giles had been important in keeping Simon Beasley quiet for the rest of the game, but from 10 points down at the last change Melbourne rallied to win. In his 100th game, Brian Wilson kicked three goals when the game was in the balance in the last term. He started the final quarter on 2.6.
Ron Barassi said the win was the "best example of collective courage and desperation " since his return, he said "I'm rapt. There was not one player in the Melbourne line up who did not rise to the occasion".
Best were John Fidge, Alan Johnson and Peter Giles.
Video
Reserves
Melbourne 7.14 drew Footscray 7.14
Goals - Fidge 2, Hutchison 2, Louttit 2, Matthews 1, Lyon 1
Best - Fidge, Hutchison, Louttit
Under 19s
Footscray 6.11.47 d. Melbourne 6.7.43
Goals - Hannant 2, Edwards 1, Lawrence 1, G. Marra 1, Macauley 1
Best - Lane, O'Dwyer, Sparks
Media
Canberra Times - 21/04/1985
Age - 22/04/1985
Westside Football - 24/05/1985
Football Record - R5 1985