Round 7, 1977
Melbourne vs Carlton
Saturday 14 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 27,456
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 3.2 | 5.6 | 10.8 | 14.12.96 |
| Carlton | 5.7 | 11.13 | 14.16 | 16.20.116 |
Carlton win by 20 points
Goalkickers: Tony Dullard 4, Garry Baker 3, Ross Brewer 2, Laurie Fowler 2, Robert Flower 1, Tom Flower 1, Barry Tippett 1
Milestones:
MFC Debut
Daryl Cumming
Last Game
Marty Lyons
First Goal
Tom Flower (2nd game)
100 Games
Laurie Fowler (also with Richmond)
After their loss to Geelong a week earlier the Demon board had been forced to deny that they were trying to line up a new coach to replace Bob Skilton, and after their seventh loss of the season Skilton's position seemed even more shaky.
Despite the result the Demons showed signs of improvement in the second quarter. They had gone in 42 points behind at the long break but rallied to win the second half nine goals to five.
Carlton had lost to Collingwood by 102 points a week earlier and faltered briefly when the Demons charged at them late. It was hardly a confidence booster for either side, but at least Carlton had the four points that their opponents were so desperate for.
The margin got back to within 14 points later in the game, but the inconsistent umpiring clearly frustrated Skilton who refused to comment on the men in white after the match, citing the league's rules on discussing umpiring decisions.
Best were Fowler, R. Flower and Graham. Laurie Fowler sprained his ankle. Davis (knee) was replaced in the selected side by Hutchison. Fitzsimmons took Hutchison's place as a reserve and came on for Smith in the last quarter. McKellar was replaced by Lyons, also in the last quarter.
Reserves
Melbourne 17.15.117 d. Carlton 14.15.99
Goaals - Alves 2, Baldwin 2, Besanko 2, Carroll 2, Davidson 2, Giampaolo 2, Johnstone 2, Sparks 2, Walley 1
Best - Giampaolo, Cook, Marchant
Under 19s
Carlton 22.17.149 d. Melbourne 8.13.61
Goals - Caddaye 2, Jones 2, Keane 2, Salter 1, Wright 1
Best - Caddaye, Quine, Hayes
Media
Age - 16/05/1977
Age - 18/05/1977
Football Record R8 1977
Links
Blueseum match report