Semi Final 1, 1897
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Saturday 21 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 7000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Collingwood | 1.4 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 7.9.49 |
| Melbourne | 1.1 | 2.2 | 4.5 | 7.5.47 |
Collingwood win by 4 points
Goalkickers: Jack Leith 4, Stewart Geddes 1, Fred McGinis 1, Charlie Young 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Bert Watson
Described as "possibly the finest game of the season", the injury depleted Fuschias saw their premiership aspirations destroyed in the first of three close losses to finish the season.
In a change from their usual style of being fast starters Melbourne were poor in the opening quarters before mounting a comeback as the game went on but they had some excuse - two of Collingwood's early goals came after Fry had to leave the field due to injury and while Wardill was off the field looking for a new uniform after his original jacket had been torn to shreds in the play.
Collingwood was gradually worn down by the quicker Reds in the second half but fell narrowly short of victory.
Best for Melbourne were McGinis, Wardill and Robinson
Media
Argus - 23/08/1897
Table Talk - 27/08/1897