Round 14, 1957
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 27 July
Venue: Windy Hill
Attendance: 22,500
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 2.4 | 6.7 | 9.12 | 9.18.72 |
| Melbourne | 3.0 | 7.0 | 8.4 | 11.7.73 |
Melbourne win by 1 point
Goalkickers: Robert B Johnson 4, Athol Webb 3, Ron Barassi 2, Peter Brenchley 1, Trevor Johnson 1
Milestones:
First Game
Terry Mountain
Last Game
Brian Dunsford
After a draw with Collingwood in their previous engagement, the Demons returned from a week off for interstate games and almost suffered the same fate at Windy Hill.
Their build-up had been affected by several players coming down with flu midweek, and for most of the day the Demons played like a side in recovery mode. Essendon dominated the play but somehow managed to let the Demons be within a kick late in the game. Melbourne's forwards were accurate, where the Bombers were wasteful - they kicked 0.9 from the ten minute mark of the third quarter onwards.
Three goals from four inside 50's in the first quarter gave Melbourne a narrow, but undeserved lead at the first break. The Bombers won the lead back in the third term, taking a two goal lead into the final break before losing the game at the last gasp.
A controversial free-kick in the last minute allowed Athol Webb to kick the winning goal. Essendon's Booth had been called for kicking out of bounds, much to the chagrin of the home fans.
The Bombers got the ball into their forward line from the ensuing centre bounce and they received a controversial free of their own. Gallagher missed, handing Melbourne victory in the top of the table clash.
Best were Beckwith, Wilson and Johnson. Adams and McLean (both with flu) were replaced in the selected side by Dunsford and Sandral.
After the match, Essendon fans attempted to attack umpire Schwab, and he required a police escort from the ground. Supporters then invaded the ground and tried to fight police as well. It was the second game in a row that the Demons had been involved in a crowd melee after their Round 13 match at Victoria Park had ended with Collingwood fans rioting and attacking players.
Seconds
Essendon 17.11 d. Melbourne 3.7
Goals - Boyle 2, Unknown 1
Best - Hayes, Milner, Jones
Thirds
Essendon 4.14 defeated Melbourne 5.6
Lists
One point games
Media
"Demons' one point win not deserved" and "Ugly football ground scene" - The Age 29/07/1957
Football Record R15 1957