Saturday 10 May - MCG

Melbourne 0.3, 1.3, 1.6, 6.7
Port Melbourne 1.1, 2.7, 6.9, 7.11

Port Melbourne win by 1 goal

Goalkickers: Kelly 3, Smith 2, Byers 1

For the second week in a row Melbourne were beaten, but not disgraced, against one of the better sides of 1889.

Melbourne's first and last quarters were far above their last season's performances, and they came home with a burst to almost snatch a share of the points. They put the visitors on the defensive early in the game, but a late goal for Port gave them the lead.

Port got another goal to double their lead, but Smith got a late goal which cut the margin back to one. The visitors added a third shortly after the break before a commotion when Melbourne claimed that Port had 21 on the field. A head count showed they only had 19 - and they were spurred on by the interruption to rack up six goals by the end of the term.

During the game a Melbourne supporter emerged from the crowd and demanded a head count as he believed Port were playing with 21. After the count it was revealed Port only had 19 and the supporter returned to the crowd with his tail between his legs.

Going into the last change five goals behind not much was expected of Melbourne, but they came home with a flurry. Kelly's third goal cut the margin to one before Port got a steadier. Melbourne added another late but time ran out before they could challenge for a draw.

Best were R. Kelly, Carroll and E. Fox.

Media
Age - 12/05/1890
Sportsman - 14/05/1890
Australasian - 17/05/1890