Round 9, 1996
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 25 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 37,288
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 2.8 | 4.12 | 8.18 | 11.23.89 |
| Melbourne | 3.1 | 5.2 | 10.3 | 12.5.77 |
Essendon win by 12 points
Goalkickers: Garry Lyon 5, Brett Lovett 2, Jeff Farmer 1, Andrew Obst 1, Jim Stynes 1, Craig Turley 1
Brownlow Votes:
1 - Brett Lovett
Milestones:
First Game
Michael Polley
Jim Stynes broke a record dating back to 1943 but playing his 205th consecutive game, but despite an improved effort the Demons lost again and dropped to 1-8 for the season.
The sides met in perfect conditions but put on a terrible, error-strewn game. Essendon's goalkicking was particularly awful, with spearhead Scott Cummings kicking 1.5 and one out on the full from his six shots on goal. Even his goal was a gift, intercepting a handball from Paul Hopgood to walk into an open goal.
Melbourne kept the margin close, perhaps undeservedly considering a gulf in the scoring shots. By half time they were four points down but from nine fewer chances. Melbourne narrowly had the best of a nine goal third quarter and cut the margin to three at the last break but Essendon held their nerve and hung on to win.
Neil Balme said "We're not happy with losing but at least we had a go." His side remained last on the ladder.
Best were Kowal, Stynes and B. Lovett
Video
Reserves
Essendon 19.14.128 d. Melbourne 11.10.76
Goals - Bradly 3, Charles 2, Corrigan 2, McDonald 2, O'Brien 1, D. Yze 1
Best - McDonald, Corrigan, Charles
Media
Age - 26/05/1996
Age - 27/05/1996
Football Record 1996 State of Origin