Round 8, 1952
Fitzroy vs Melbourne
Saturday 14 June
Venue: North Hobart Oval
Attendance: 18,387
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Fitzroy | 5.4 | 8.8 | 11.9 | 13.12.90 |
| Melbourne | 2.2 | 4.6 | 8.8 | 10.10.70 |
Fitzroy win by 20 points
Goalkickers: Bob McKenzie 4, Geoff McGivern 2, John Beckwith 1, Noel Clarke 1, Eddie Jackson 1, Max Orr 1.
Milestones:
Last game
Bill Smeaton
The league's national exhibition round saw the first ever premiership game in Tasmania, and Melbourne were surprisingly defeated. George Bickford captained the side in the absence of Denis Cordner, who was playing for Victoria.
The Demons were favourites, but Fitzroy jumped out to an early lead and were never headed. The Roys were quicker, and better in the air, and Melbourne had no answer to spearhead Tony Ongarello who kicked seven. In their own forward line they were unable to break through consistently. By half time the lead was 26 points, leaving Melbourne with too much to do with their misfiring forward line.
Two quick goals in the last term gave the Demons some hope of a comeback but Bill Smeaton missed three chances to put his side in front, and the Roys soon booted two of their own to seal the result.
McGivern, Woods, McLean were Melbourne's best. Noel McMahen suffered a nose injury, and Bob Johnston a concussion. Unused 19th and 20th men were Thomson and Wilson
The loss in Melbourne last premiership match in Hobart until 2016 dropped them out of the top four. It was the largest football crowd ever for a match in the city at the time.
Thirds
Melbourne d. Fitzroy
Media
Examiner - 12/06/1952
Sporting Globe - 14/06/1952
Age - 16/06/1952
Argus - 16/06/1952
Sun - 18/06/1952
Argus - 18/06/1952
Football Record R9 1952