Round 7, 1952
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 7 June
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 58,563
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.2 | 5.2 | 7.7 | 12.10.82 |
| Collingwood | 1.2 | 2.7 | 3.8 | 6.14.50 |
Melbourne win by 32 points
Goalkickers: Bob McKenzie 3, John Ferguson 2, Max Orr 2, Bill Smeaton 2, Ken Albiston 1, John Beckwith 1, Eddie Jackson 1
Milestones:
Nil
In front of a then record home and away attendance Melbourne were presented with the 1952 Lightning Premiership pennant, and the huge crowd watched the Demons score their second win. The nature of the win against the in-form Magpies was impressive, and it stamped them as finals contenders. The home side had some extra help, with a new water repellent on player boots which was said to work well.
Denis Cordner was brilliant in the ruck, dominating all of Collingwood's followers and giving his rovers first use of the ball nearly every time. Around the grounds his marking was a feature, and the Magpies attempted to avoid him wherever possible. Melbourne were brilliant early and opened a four goal lead at quarter time.
After the Demons jumped to an early lead they were held goalless in the second term, only going across the half-forward line once for the entire quarter. The backline held firm though, allowing Collingwood only one goal from six shots during the second term.
They kicked two goals to one in the third to open a 23 points lead, but four goals behind early in the last quarter the Pies threw everything they had at Melbourne. They just came up short, repelled by a well organised and strong defence. The closest they got was 18 points behind before Melbourne steadied and held on to win.
Best were Cordner, Spencer and Collins. Wilson and Johnston were 19th and 20th men. McGiven suffered a broken nose.
Seconds
Collingwood 15.17.107 d. Melbourne 7.12.54
Thirds
Melbourne 11.15.81 d. Collingwood 8.8.56
Media
Argus - 04/06/1952
Argus - 06/06/1952
Age - 07/06/1952
Sporting Globe - 07/06/1952
Sporting Globe - 07/06/1952
Argus - 09/06/1952
Age - 09/06/1952
Age - 09/06/1952