Saturday 21 June - MCG
Melbourne 2
Essendon 2 (half time 1-1)
Match drawn
Goalkickers: McKenzie 1, Crohan 1
Without a win for over a month, and after losing their last two games by a combined score of 10-0, Melbourne welcomed important players C. Baker and Lamrock back from injury.
They managed to get back on the scoreboard, but still couldn't break through for a win. Early advantage only led to a behind and Essendon were prompted to wake up and score the first goal care of loose defensive play by Lamrock and Macdonald.
From there Melbourne had the best of the first half and equalised through McKenzie, but Essendon took the lead again when they kicked the first major of the second half. It took until just before full time for Crohan to score the equaliser and end the match in a draw. Melbourne could have won but they blew several good chances on goal.
Best were the W. Longden, E. Longden and Bennie
Selected team
C. Baker, F. Baker, J. Booth, Bennie, W. Boys, JV Cook, Crohan, Fairbairn, Lamrock, E. Longden, W. Longden, Macdonald, Mackenzie, Murray, Oakley, Power, Sillett, Simson, Upton. Waldron. Emergency - Lempriere
Media
Herald - 20/06/1879
Argus - 23/06/1879
Australasian - 28/06/1879