Saturday 8 May - MCG

Melbourne 0
South Yarra 0

Match drawn

South Yarra had been one of Melbourne's fiercest early rivals in the early days of football, but by the 1880's they had been left with the status of junior club and were able to field 23 players against Melbourne's 20. The Reds were without Nash, Aitken and Booth who opted not to play in the muddy conditions.

Due to rain the ground was in sloppy condition, and good football was almost impossible with players unable to stay on a solid footing. With a strong wind blowing across the ground South Yarra was in grim defensive mode for most of the day - with McKenzie, Sylvester and Longden leading a number of attacks which only resulted in behinds. They failed to break through for a major and the sides went into the break without score.

With the wind in their favour the visitors were a much better side, and they frequently had Melbourne's goal under siege. With players barely able to stand without falling into the mud neither side could manage a major and the match ended in a nil-all draw.

Best for Melbourne were McKenzie, Swyer and E. Longden.

Media
The Argus 10/05/1880
The Herald - 14/05/1880
Australasian - 15/05/1880