Round 5, 1901
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 25 May
Venue: East Melbourne
Attendance: Unknown
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 1.1 | 1.4 | 3.4 | 7.8.50 |
| Melbourne | 1.2 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 3.6.24 |
Essendon win by 26 points
Goalkickers: Eric Gardner 1, Frank Langley 1, Tommy Ryan 1
Milestones:
Nil
Having lost three of their first four games of the season, Melbourne's disappointing premiership defence continued with another defeat. Without Moriarity (injured), Rippon (unwell) and Leith (rested) the Fuschias were weakened, but they had also regained several other players.
With the wind in the first quarter the visitors made the better start, Tommy Ryan kicking an early goal to put them in front. They attacked again from the next centre bounce, but were denied a second goal when what appeared to be a major was called as "touched" by the field umpire.
Until this point Essendon had been onlookers as Melbourne did what they pleased, but after the goal was disallowed they took over and quickly notched one of their own.
Despite the handicap of kicking into the wind in the second quarter Melbourne actually extended their lead through Gardner. Their rucks were dominant, and Essendon were handicapped by having to send an injured Martin forward where he would be out of the play.
In the third quarter it was the home team's turn to keep their opponents goalless with the wind, and they made use of their rare opportunities to kick two goals and take a lead of five points going into the last quarter. Despite being as good as a man short they ran away with the wind.
Best were Langley, Cumberland and McGinis. The defeat left Melbourne second last, just a game and percentage above the winless St Kilda.
Media
Argus - 27/05/1901
Leader - 01/06/1901
Australasian - 01/06/1901