Round 1, 1929
Melbourne vs South Melbourne
Saturday 27 April
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 16,843
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 4.1 | 5.3 | 10.6 | 12.8.80 |
| South Melbourne | 1.4 | 2.7 | 3.12 | 7.16.58 |
Melbourne win by 22 points
Goalkickers: Henry McCrae 4, Jimmy Davidson 3, Ivor Warne-Smith 2, Tommy McConville 1, Richard Taylor 1, Herbert White 1
Milestones:
First Game
Harry Long
Bill MacDonald
Henry McCrae (and first goal)
Wyn Murray
Despite muddy, damp conditions and four VFL debutantes Melbourne ran away to an easy win against South. The conditions weren't helped by a burst water main under the ground which made the turf even more treacherous or an umpire who awarded 158 free kicks - or one every 28 seconds - during the match.
Both sides relied on individual effort in the first half as there was little teamwork on show, and Melbourne had the better of what cohesion there was but had to rely on Barnes in defence to keep South out as they attacked early in the game. The home side eventually took control, and with the game crowded in the second quarter South was only able to take one point off the lead as Melbourne's defence held firm.
Two goals to rookie McCrae early in the third quarter provided a handy gap, and the Reds forged on to a six goal lead at the last change. South made a minor rally in the final term but the gap was too large, conditions were against them and they paid the price for poor goalkicking throughout the day.
Best were Warne-Smith, Collins and Taylor.
Seconds
South Melbourne 11.2 d. Melbourne 9.7
Goals - Power 4, Haw 3, Hope 1, Proudfoot 1
Best - Meade, Green, Moodie
Media
Record - 27/04/1929
Argus - 29/04/1929
Table Talk - 02/05/1929
Australasian - 04/05/1929
Football Record R2 1929