1987 National Panasonic Cup Semi Final
Melbourne vs Geelong
Tuesday 7 April
Venue: Waverley
Attendance: 6459
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 1.3 | 2.6 | 9.12 | 12.13.85 |
| Geelong | 1.4 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 7.13.55 |
Melbourne win by 30 points
Goalkickers: Ricky Jackson 3, Warren Dean 2, Adrian Battiston 2, Bret Bailey 1, Tony Campbell 1, Doug Koop 1, Todd Viney 1
The Demons went in without Robert Flower, Brian Wilson and Alan Johnson and saw their ruck division decimated by the loss of Steve Turner, Steve O'Dwyer and Peter Moore through injury. The reduction of their ruck stocks saw Jim Stynes called up to play his first senior match for the club. Despite the handicaps, and wet, slippery conditions, Melbourne blew Geelong away with seven goals to one in a decisive third quarter.
The victory qualified Melbourne for their first night grand final since 1971. Four days later the sides met in a premiership match at Kardinia Park and Geelong turned the tables to win by 34 points.
John Northey praised the third quarter, saying "Team play after half-time was as good as I have seen at Melbourne".
Best were Battiston, Jackson and Williams. Greg Healy was a late withdrawal, Steven Stretch hurt his arm, and Rod Grinter was left with a tooth hanging out - necessitating a call around Waverley for a dentist to assist him. Ted Fidge injured his back.
Video
Media
Age - 06/04/1987
Canberra Times - 08/04/1987
Age - 08/04/1987
Links
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