Wednesday 10 October - Norwood Oval
Melbourne 4.0, 9.1, 11.4, 13.6.84
Port Adelaide 2.6, 6.8, 9.8, 11.8.74
Melbourne win by 10 points
Goalkickers: Robert B Johnson 5, Ron Barassi 2, Athol Webb 2, Laurie Mithen 2, Ian Ridley 1, Frank Adams 1
In the first of the post-season "Championship of Australia" games South Australian premiers Port had much of the play but lacked the direct play of Melbourne - especially in attack. The visitors were stronger, superior in the air and handled the ball better - with Bob Johnson in attack and Denis Cordner in defence both dominant.
Port levelled the scores twice in the third quarter but Melbourne had enough in them to draw away and win. The locals had the better of the play in the first three quarters but kicked poorly for goal. In contrast, Melbourne goalled for their first eight shots.
Eight points down at the last change, Port kicked the first goal of the last quarter, before quick goals through Barassi and Johnson regained control. Port got a late consolation but were too far behind to challenge.
Best were Cordner, Marquis and R. Johnson. 19th man Lord replaced Adams.
Melbourne's next engagement was in Perth where they took on Western Australian premiers East Perth.
Goalkicking
Johnson 5.0, Webb 2.2, Mithen 2.0, Barassi 2.0, Ridley 1.2, Adams 1.0, Sandral 0.1, Rushed 0.1
Media
Age - 11/10/1956