Round 5, 1924
Melbourne vs South Melbourne
Saturday 24 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 22,072
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.5 | 5.9 | 8.12 | 10.16.76 |
| South Melbourne | 3.2 | 3.5 | 7.9 | 10.9.69 |
Melbourne win by 7 points
Goalkickers: Percy Tulloh 4, Harry Coy 1, Edgar Dunbar 1, Hugh Dunbar 1, Harry Harker 1, Derek Mollison 1, Stan Wittman 1
Milestones:
Nil
After losing two games by less than a goal a thumping win over Carlton had raised eyebrows, but it was the narrow victory over the Swans that really made the VFL world sit up and take notice of the 1923 wooden spooners.
South had been poor in the opening rounds but they were still expected to take care of the ninth best team in the competition from the year before. Despite an improved performance and a rattling last quarter they still fell short. They were not helped by their star full forward missing all seven of his place kicks from scoring range.
With eight minutes to go the gap was just one point before Percy Tulloh and Harry Coy played a quick one-two and allowed Tulloh to boot his decisive fourth goal and seal victory. Bert Chadwick moved into the ruck to help defend the lead and Melbourne were home.
Despite suffering several small injuries Tulloh was Melbourne's best, supported by Chadwick and Lilley. Edgar Dunbar was reported for striking but found not guilty.
Despite the plaudits the Redlegs would win just two more games for the season and narrowly avoid repeating as wooden spooners.
Lists
Tribunal
Media
Herald - 23/05/1924
Herald - 30/05/1924
Sporting Globe - 28/05/1924
Football Record R6 1924