Saturday 7 July - East Melbourne
Essendon 0.0, 1.3, 1.4, 2.8
Melbourne 2.3, 3.5, 3.8, 3.8
Melbourne win by 1 goal
Goalkickers: McKenzie 2, Strachan 1
With the venue disputed between the clubs the VFA decided to play it at East Melbourne. Melbourne won the toss and kicked with the wind, which allowed them to open with two goals in the first quarter - and would have had a third if the bell hadn't rung with a player within scoring range.
The second quarter resulted in a goal each, and while Essendon had the advantage after half time they were wasteful with their opportunities.
A. King and McKenzie were best.
Selected team
Burton, Carah, Fox, Ferguson, Franks, Garton, Griffith, Gillett, Harper, A. King, King, Lording, Murphy, McCrindle, McKenzie, McGowan, Parry, Rusden, Strachan, Spooner, Wiseman
Notes
Some sources have Essendon on 2.7, and Carah kicking goal instead of Strachan.
Media
Herald - 06/07/1888
Sportsman - 11/07/1888
Leader - 14/07/1888
Adelaide Observer - 14/07/1888