Round 4, 1957
Hawthorn vs Melbourne
Saturday 11 May
Venue: Glenferrie Oval
Attendance: 20,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Hawthorn | 0.4 | 2.9 | 4.13 | 6.15.51 |
| Melbourne | 2.1 | 3.6 | 4.6 | 4.9.33 |
Hawthorn win by 18 points
Goalkickers: Dick Fenton-Smith 2, Robert B Johnson 1, Athol Webb 1
Milestones:
Nil
Hawthorn had been the surprise packet of the 1957 season, winning the first two games of the year for the first time in their VFL history, but had suffered a disappointing reverse at North Melbourne on the previous Saturday. On the other hand Melbourne had started badly but won two in a row to get their season back on track, making their way back to second on the ladder.
Hawthorn were still third, but were poor in the early going and by the time they got going their kicking was poor and at one point trailed 0.7 to 3.3. The inaccuracy took the focus over their ruck dominance and the weakness of Melbourne's attack.
Despite their issues Melbourne had the lead at half time, but by kicking just 1.3 in the entire second half they threw away their chance at victory. It was Melbourne's lowest score ever against Hawthorn to that point. Norm Smith tried a number of positional moves throughout the half but none worked, and despite the Demon defence playing a strong game Hawthorn eventually broke through by sheer determination.
Best were Marquis (despite a thigh injury which almost caused his withdrawal), Williams and Barassi. Geoff Tunbridge was replaced in the selected side by Sandral due to influenza. During the game McLean (thigh) was replaced by Thorogood and Cook (cramps) by Jones.
The match was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Country Party Arthur Fadden.
Seconds
Melbourne 19.18 d. Hawthorn 10.9
Goals - Wilkinson 9, Unknown 10
Best - Wilson, Wilkinson, Mountain
Thirds
Hawthorn 10.4 d. Melbourne 6.5
Media
Age - 13/05/1957
Football Record R5 1957