Round 1, 1990
North Melbourne vs Melbourne
Saturday 31 March
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 23,191
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| North Melbourne | 2.5 | 5.9 | 9.13 | 12.17.89 |
| Melbourne | 6.2 | 10.3 | 17.7 | 22.10.142 |
Melbourne win by 53 points
Goalkickers: Darren Bennett 8, Steven Clark 1, Luke Beveridge 1, Simon Eishold 1, Brett Lovett 1, Stephen Newport 1, Andrew Obst 1, Steven O'Dwyer 1, Steven Stretch 1, Jim Stynes 1, Stephen Tingay 1, Sean Wight 1, Brian Wilson 1
Brownlow Votes:
3 - Darren Bennett
2 - Steven Clark
1 - Brian Wilson
Milestones:
First game and first goal
Andrew Obst
First MFC game
Steven Clark
Trevor Spencer
After an underwhelming pre-season campaign Melbourne got their season off to a perfect start with a thumping win over the inexperienced Kangaroos. Darren Bennett had six goals on the board at half time and finished with eight, with 12 of his teammates chipping in as well.
With Stynes and O'Dwyer dominant in the ruck, their midfielders had first use of the ball nearly every time, and had the luxury of aiming at the strong leading Bennett.
Three goals just before half-time and two immediately after it gave the Demons a 33 point win and their highest score for 50 matches.
Best were Bennett, Febey and Yeats. Melbourne finished the game with only 16 fit men on the ground after Simon Eishold suffered a knee injury, David Flintoff a hamstring injury, Trevor Spencer played out the game through a concussion, and Luke Beveridge injured his thigh.
Video
Reserves
Melbourne 19.14.128 d. North Melbourne 19.9.123
Goals - Campbell 4, Howat 4, Farrell 3, Lovell 2, Jackson 2, Spalding 1, Connolly 1, Keogh 1, Hickmott 1
Best - J. Viney, T. Viney, Spalding
Under 19s
Melbourne 14.17.101 d. Richmond 9.15.69
Goals - McCarthy 5, Heaver 3, Schwarz 2, Hopgood 1, Sullivan 1, Wilkins 1, Moreland 1
Best - Theodore, Robins, Sullivan
Media
Canberra Times - 01/04/1990
Age - 01/04/1990
Inside Football - 04/04/1990
Football Record R2 1990