Round 6, 1943
Footscray vs Melbourne
Saturday 12 June
Venue: Western Oval
Attendance: 8,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Footscray | 4.2 | 9.7 | 14.13 | 21.17.143 |
| Melbourne | 3.6 | 5.8 | 7.13 | 8.15.63 |
Footscray win by 80 points
Goalkickers: Billy Deans 2, Adrian Dullard 2, Percy Beames 1, Fred Fanning 1, Bob Herbert 1, Hughie McPherson 1
Milestones:
First Game
Johnny Dalton
Jack Doherty
Melbourne's disappointing season got even worse as they were beaten heavily at the Western Oval. It was a defeat reminiscent of some of the thumpings the Demons had suffered early in 1942, but if they had any excuse it was that 17 players were unavailable due to injury or war service.
The visitors opened the game better, assisted by the ruck work of Don Cordner. Footscray were slow to start, but it took the wasteful Demons until their seventh shot to opening the goalkicking through Fred Fanning. After having more scoring shots in the first quarter the Demons still went in behind, and were a disappointment after that. They allowed another five goals to finish the match off in the third quarter before Footscray stormed to a huge win in the last game.
Despite having one win the loss dropped Melbourne to the foot of the table thanks to winless South Melbourne having earned four points for a bye and holding a better percentage. The last placed club would be excluded from the season after Round 11, so it was important for Melbourne to start winning.
Bradley, Dullard and Gibb were best. Deans replaced Dowsing (injured ankle) after half time.
Seconds
Footscray 23.10.148 d. Melbourne 15.9.99
Media
The Argus - 11/06/1943
Sporting Globe - 12/06/1943
Football Record R7 1943