Saturday September 5 - Friendly Societies' Ground
Melbourne 4.6
Hotham 3.7 (half time 3.4 to 1.5)
Goalkickers: Carroll 2, Plant 1, Baird 1
A moderate crowd saw Melbourne finally win their first match on their new ground at the third time of asking, making Hotham the second side that they had beaten twice during 1885 in the process. In fine weather a surprisingly cold breeze blew across the ground, making the day uncomfortable for the spectators.
With a number of senior players absent, Hotham won the toss and kicked with the breeze in their favour, attacking first but only scoring a point. After that they kept the ball camped in the Melbourne end and got the first goal of the game. Their domination continued for a while until the home team got on top and took the ball down Hotham's end. They had several chances but were initially unable to convert.
Plant eventually scored first for Melbourne, and Baird got another after Hotham had blown a great chance to equalise. They got another to end the half and the game was certainly tipped in their favour.
The breeze dropped considerably by the time the second half started, not advantaging Melbourne nearly as much as it had worked against them in the first half, and Hotham scored the first goal to make the match interesting. They then equalised with a third, but just before time Carroll got the winner.
It would be Melbourne's last win of a disappointing season.
Notes
North Melbourne Advertiser shows Hotham on nine behinds, and Melbourne on 3.3 at the half.
Media
Argus - 07/09/1885
Sportsman - 09/09/1885
North Melbourne Advertiser - 11/09/1885
Australasian - 12/09/1885
Australasian - 12/09/1885