Round 1, 1945
Carlton vs Melbourne
Saturday 21 April
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 16,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Carlton | 3.2 | 3.4 | 8.6 | 13.9.87 |
| Melbourne | 1.4 | 6.13 | 12.14 | 15.18.108 |
Melbourne win by 21 points
Goalkickers: Fred Fanning 4, Allan La Fontaine 3, Jack Mueller 2, Ivan Porter 2, Ron Baggott 1, Frank Kennedy 1, Norm Smith 1, Percy Taylor 1
Milestones:
50 Games
Fred Fanning
Despite enjoying a glorious period at the turn of the decade, including a premiership hat-trick, the victory against the backdrop of the war in Europe coming to an end was Melbourne's first in the opening round since 1938. The Demons had too many experienced players for the young Carlton side, and after conceding a 10 point deficit at quarter time kicked five goals to nil in the second quarter.
Domination in the ruck saw the margin extend to 50 points, led by several players who had recently returned from military service, before Carlton took 11 points off a 32 points deficit at three quarter time.
Dowsing, Smith and Cordner were best. Newman was replaced by Archibald during the last quarter after suffering a dislocated shoulder. Ron Irwin was reported for striking during the last quarter and suspended for four matches. It was Melbourne's only suspension of the season.
Seconds
Carlton 19.17.131 d. Melbourne 11.23.89
Lists
Tribunal
Notes
Sporting Globe gives the crowd as 13,000
Media
Herald - 20/04/1945
Sporting Globe - 21/04/1945
Argus - 23/04/1945
Football Record R2 1945
Links
Blueseum match report