Saturday June 9 - MCG
Crowd - 8000-10,000

Melbourne 1
Carlton 2 (half time 1-1)

Carlton win by 1 goal

Goalkicker: John Booth 1

In a rare change to the usual rectangular ground the match was played using the full oval of the MCG, as custodians of the cricket ground let the footballers onto the main arena for the first time in years.

Price of admission was 6d for the ground and 1s to the grandstand. Despite this the grandstand was packed. The gate receipts were split between the MCC and MFC, the portion assigned to the MFC to be used to fence the ground so that spectators did not encroach onto the arena. It was estimated that at least 2000 people climbed the fence to get in for free.

The ground was soft and the players had a hard time turning or running quickly, as well as issues adapting to the larger ground. Carlton attacked first and had three minor scores in the first fifteen minutes before Melbourne struck back. Forrester missed a set shot from close to goal, but he turned provider for Booth to open the scoring for Melbourne.

Carlton equalised, but soon after that a shower came which made the wet conditions even more treacherous. The two sides went into half-time locked at one apiece. Carlton took the lead soon after the break after the Melbourne goalkeeper accidentally kicked the ball directly to one of their players.

Downes of Melbourne could have levelled the score after taking a mark 20 yards out. He changed his mind and went for a pass instead which didn't work and at 5.20 the game was over with Carlton the victors.

Best were Longden, Sillett and Lamrock.

The match was not a great success for the players themselves, but it ushered in an era where cricket clubs would seek closer links to more profitable football sides.

Notes
Some sources suggest Carlton kicked the first goal.

Media
Argus - 11/06/1877
Australasian - 16/06/1877
Advertiser - 19/06/1877