Round 8, 1969
Fitzroy vs Melbourne
Saturday, 24 May
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 9367
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Fitzroy | 4.1 | 7.4 | 10.8 | 12.9.81 |
| Melbourne | 4.5 | 8.7 | 14.10 | 15.12.102 |
Melbourne win by 21 points
Goalkickers: Blair Campbell 3, Denis Clark 3, Greg Parke 3, Barrie Vagg 3, Ross Dillon 2, Gary Hardeman 1
Milestones:
First Game
Peter Sinclair
Last Game
Chris Fowler
The Demons got their best yet chance to open their account in their horror season when they faced up against fellow strugglers Fitzroy at the Lions 'home' ground Princes Park. Fitzroy had won a single game, and the Demons none so it was never going to be a quality match but when rain caused slippery conditions the prospects of a classic game were diminished even further.
Despite their winless start and the conditions Melbourne were masterful with their fast, play-on football and while they never shook the Lions until the last quarter they were well in charge from quarter-time onwards to register their first victory for 1969 at the eighth attempt.
Best were Clark, Townsend and Campbell. Chris Fowler tore ligaments in his ankle during the second quarter and never played VFL football again. He was replaced by Sinclair, and Weekes (groin) was replaced by Forster in the third quarter.
Reserves
Fitzroy 14.15 d. Melbourne 8.18
Goals - Callery 3, Colcott 1, Jennings 1, Powell 1, Stanton 1, Wells 1
Best - Fletcher, Emselle, Stone
Under 19s
Melbourne 16.10.106 d. Fitzroy 11.17.83
Goals - Cook 4, Glazner 2, McKenzie 2, Stephenson 2, Walker 2, L. Allan 1, Brown 1, B. Martin 1, Roberts 1
Best - McKenzie, Martin, Brown
Media
Age - 26/05/1969
Football Record R9 1969