Round 9, 1954
Melbourne vs Essendon
Monday 14 June
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 36,798
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 5.6 | 5.7 | 7.12 | 11.13.79 |
| Essendon | 2.3 | 5.10 | 9.15 | 14.17.101 |
Essendon win by 22 points
Goalkickers: Stuart Spencer 4, Noel Clarke 2, Ian McLean 2, Frank Adams 1, Geoff McGivern 1, Bob McKenzie 1
Milestones:
Nil
After rising to third on the ladder the Demons went into the interstate break with a defeat. They led at quarter time, but from then on the Bombers were the better side. The visitors adapted better to windy conditions, and Melbourne broke down badly in attack, the ruck and in defence.
On Queen's Birthday Monday, an Essendon side which had disappointed in previous weeks were suddenly revitalised. In gusty winds Melbourne's poor kicking hurt them again, registering just five goals from 11 scoring shots in the first quarter with the breeze then barely doubling that across the next three. Even the absence of John Coleman at the other end couldn't save them, with Essendon's forward line playing smoothly without him. They kicked 4.5 to 2.5 into the wind in the third quarter, then five goals to four in the last to win comfortably.
Best were McMahen, McLean and Cordner. Christie replaced Marquis (torn thigh muscle) in the first quarter, and Adams replaced Albiston in the last quarter.
A VFL Seconds vs Ferntree Gully League match had been proposed as a curtain raiser but Melbourne refused permission.
Seconds
Essendon 6.12 d. Melbourne 6.11
Goals - Unknown
Best - Dixon, Power, Case
Thirds
Melbourne 5.5 d. Essendon 4.6
Media
Fern Tree Gully and District Times - 08/04/1954
Argus - 11/06/1954
Argus - 15/06/1954
Age - 15/06/1954
Age - 16/06/1954
Football Record 1954 Interstate Game