Round 12, 1899
Fitzroy vs Melbourne
Saturday 29 July
Venue: Brunswick Street
Attendance: Unknown
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Fitzroy | 2.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.5.41 |
| Melbourne | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 4.9.33 |
Fitzroy win by 8 points
Goalkickers: Jack Leith 1, Fred McGinis 1, Dick Pirrie 1, Alf Wood 1
Milestones:
Nil
With star Fitzroy player Descrimes a late withdrawal after coming off second best in a tram accident, their fans became nervous about the result, especially with three other good players out. Melbourne also had their issue with absences; Moodie, Moysey and Sowden all absent.
The Maroons had the benefit of kicking with the wind, and were first to goal. Melbourne quickly pegged them back through Pirrie, and attacked aggressively early but were unable to further penetrate Fitzroy's defence. By quarter time the visitors had kicked three goals into the wind, leading by eight points.
Fitzroy were also successful against the breeze, bursting to a three goal lead in the second quarter despite the loss of a player to an ankle injury. In a goalless third quarter they extended their margin to 17 points but lost another player, this time to a broken collarbone. Despite playing with just 16 in the final term and failing to score they held on to win. Melbourne got one goal but were again held out by the local defence. Despite the loss Melbourne remained third on the league ladder.
Best were McGinis, Wardill and V. Cumberland.
Media
Argus - 31/07/1899
Sportsman - 01/08/1899
Weekly Times - 05/08/1899