Round 11, 1951
Hawthorn vs Melbourne
Saturday 14 July
Venue: Glenferrie Oval
Attendance: 10,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Hawthorn | 3.1 | 10.4 | 13.8 | 18.12.120 |
| Melbourne | 4.2 | 8.4 | 11.5 | 13.8.86 |
Hawthorn win by 34 points
Goalkickers: Bob McKenzie 5, Colin Love 3, Noel Clarke 2, John Beckwith 1, Geoff McGivern 1
Milestones:
First Game
Ken McKaige
50 Games
Denis Cordner
Doug Heywood
Another week, another loss for the bottom of the ladder Demons who at least pressed their more fancied opponents for three quarters before fading away to defeat. Melbourne had been traditionally poor on the narrow Glenferrie Oval, even in years when they were otherwise finals contenders, so visiting in their worst slump since 1919 wasn't a recipe for success. In the end they put in a creditable performance, but lacked form players and pace from their rovers to mount a serious challenge.
The Demons goalled first through Colin Love, and he added second goal not long after but the delivery to him for the rest of the game was poor. Only Bob McKenzie showed any form alongside him up forward, and chances were not plentiful enough to cover for the shortcomings of his teammates. Melbourne continually went forward thanks to the strong ruck play of Denis Cordner but Hawthorn's defence was well on top. They managed to get back in front with a late goal, but were soon behind again early in the second quarter after the Hawks kicked two quickly.
Each side kicked three during the third term, but it didn't help Melbourne's cause that McGivern and Arnold were forced off the ground before the end of the match. Both had been beaten comfortably by their opponents all day, but it still left the Demons with two replacements on the field by the final bell. Hawthorn ran out easier winners, despite a late rally that saw Noel Clarke kick two goals.
Best were Bickford, McMahen and McKenzie. McKaige and Hutchins were 19th and 20th men. McKaige replaced McGivern (injured arm) during the third quarter, while Hutchins replaced Arnold (knee) in the final term. Woods (flu) had been replaced by Thomson in the selected side.
Seconds
Melbourne 13.12 d. Hawthorn 11.10
Thirds
Melbourne 7.12 d. Hawthorn 0.5
Notes
Some sources give the seconds score as 13.21 to 11.10. Above score from Football Record and Sporting Globe. Sporting Globe shows the crowd as 8000.
Media
Sporting Globe - 14/07/1951
Argus - 16/07/1951
Age - 16/07/1951
Football Record R12 1951