Round 6, 1897
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 19 June
Venue: MCG
Attendance: Unknown
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 1.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.3.33 |
| Collingwood | 1.2 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 3.8.26 |
Melbourne win by 7 points
Goalkickers: Jack Leith 3, George Moodie 1, Charlie Young 1
Milestones:
Nil
A sixth straight win came in the first game in Melbourne's VFL history where no new player debuted or kicked his first goal. Collingwood had travelled to South Australia the previous week, necessitating a week off for all the other clubs. Heavy rain in the lead up to the game saw Melbourne apply to the 'Adverse Weather Committee' to have the match postponed, but were forced to play. Despite looming showers and a wet ground, the teams put on a fine performance for the large crowd.
The game was turned in a five minute burst during the second quarter when Jack Leith kicked all three of his goals. Melbourne added just one more but accurate kicking set up a big enough lead to guard against a Collingwood comeback.
Melbourne had attempted to get the game postponed through the adverse weather committee, but in the end the game was played to a high standard despite the conditions.
Best were Watson, McGinis and Sutton. Wood was described in newspapers as 'lame'.
Media
Argus - 21/06/1897
Sportsman - 22/06/1897
Australasian - 26/06/1897