Round 7, 1951
Melbourne vs Richmond
Monday 11 June
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 51,061
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.4 | 4.9 | 6.10 | 9.13.67 |
| Richmond | 1.3 | 5.6 | 9.7 | 12.9.81 |
Richmond win by 14 points
Goalkickers: Bob McKenzie 3, Bill Smeaton 2, Jack Thomson 2, Len Dockett 1, Eddie Jackson 1
Milestones:
100 Games
George Bickford
Responding to their first victory of the season, Melbourne fielded a side without a first game player for the first time all year against the top of the table Tigers. Richmond were premiership favourites but the Demons pushed them all the way and had more scoring shots. It was the visitors poise and experience which ultimately helped them over the line.
Early on the pacy Demons were troubling their opponents, but rain began to fall and the tempo of the game slowed to one more suited to the Tigers. The wet weather subsided but the match was ruined as a spectacle because of the greasy ball. Melbourne's forward line botched chances throughout the day, including three easy ones in the first quarter and only held a narrow lead at the first break. They slipped behind at half-time but Richmond powered away with four goals in a row during the third.
Despite two quick goals by McKenzie early in the last quarter raising hopes of a comeback victory the Demons were unable to capitalise further.
Best were Woods, McMahen and Collins. Krause (19) and Haywood (20) were the reserve players.
Richmond's Don Fraser was reported for striking Geoff McGivern, who failed to appear to give evidence at the Tribunal on the following Tuesday night. Melbourne produced a letter stating that McGivern was away on business. He did not provide a sworn statement that could be used.
Seconds (played Saturday 9 June)
Richmond 14.15 d. Melbourne 7.15
Media
Football Record - R8 1951
Argus - 08/06/1951
Age - 11/06/1951
Argus - 12/06/1951
Age - 12/06/1951
Argus - 12/06/1951
Herald - 14/06/1951