Round 14, 1912
Carlton vs Melbourne
Saturday 27 July
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 15,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Carlton | 0.6 | 0.10 | 2.15 | 4.18.42 |
| Melbourne | 0.1 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 5.7.37 |
Carlton win by 5 points
Goalkickers: Tim Lane 2, Jim Fitzpatrick 1, Herb Joolen 1, Mick Maguire 1
Milestones:
Nil
Relying on a team unchanged from the shock win over Geelong a week before Melbourne fell just short on a heavy ground affected by a week's work of rain. The ball kept dry as the water was below the surface, but Melbourne still couldn't manage a major in the first quarter - the third week in a row it had happened.
Despite this and the absence of champion goalkicker Harry Brereton a strong defensive effort held the Blues without a goal all the way until half time. The home side had cost themselves on several occasions with inaccuracy, but it was due to the work of Melbourne's back men who forced them into rushed shots from obscure angles.
Down the other end Melbourne were getting the ball forward consistently but their makeshift forward line couldn't hold a mark. In the first quarter both sides had the ball in front of goal as many times as each other but Carlton managed five more scoring shots.
Joolen got the first goal of the game for Melbourne early in the second quarter, and his side's clever handpassing had Carlton all at sea but they couldn't capitalise with their long kicks.
Despite kicking a goal less the Blues ended up winning by sheer weight of attack, having ten more scoring shots. Melbourne's pace and skill had put Carlton on the back foot in the first half but they couldn't maintain their performance throughout the game.
After the visitors botched a great chance early in the third quarter Carlton's defence got on top, and while both teams had the lead during the last quarter - which had been delayed for several minutes as mounted troopers attempted to clear the playing area of a couple of thousand intruders - Melbourne didn't take their chances to nick it and their quest to play finals football was put back in jeopardy.
Hedley Tomkins had a grand battle with Valentine from Carlton but just came out on top in the losing effort. Also amongst the best were Hendrie and Pearce.
Media
Argus - 29/07/1912
Punch - 01/08/1912
Links
Blueseum match report