Round 16, 1937
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Saturday 14 August
Venue: Victoria Park
Attendance: 21,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Collingwood | 8.4 | 13.8 | 19.14 | 21.16.142 |
| Melbourne | 4.6 | 9.13 | 13.15 | 22.21.153 |
Melbourne win by 11 points
Goalkickers: Lou Reiffel 8, Norm Smith 5, Ron Baggott 3, Eric Glass 3, Percy Beames 2, Les Jones 1
Milestones:
Nil
Statistical categories led:
Equal largest three quarter time deficit overcome to win (35)
Highest score in Round 16
Melbourne travelled to Victoria Park in a battle for a top two position with the Magpies, and when they trailed by 35 points at three-quarter time it looked like Collingwood were about to strike an important blow. They took advantage of a leaky Demon defence to kick eight goals in the first quarter and open a 22 point lead.
The margin was reduced to a goal during the second quarter, but Collingwood steadied to be 19 in front at the long break. A seven straight goal burst by Collingwood was only answered by seven points in a row. Melbourne reshuffled their team at half time, but the Pies responded with three quick goals that should have won the game. Melbourne recovered in the middle of the term, before conceding two late goals to go into the last change 35 points in arrears.
The Demons began the last quarter with two goals, but with 10 minutes left Collingwood was still 31 points in front, before Melbourne stormed home against a fading side to register their greatest comeback from a 3rd quarter deficit in history - and their first win at Victoria Park since 1921. Lou Reiffel kicked six of his eight goals in the final term.
It was a then VFL record aggregate score for a game, but it could have been more. Melbourne hit the post six times, Collingwood four. Les Jones had 1.7 for the afternoon. The Pies also kicked what was then the highest losing scoring ever. It was the highest score ever kicked against them to this point.
A finals spot was secure, but they were still required to play two more games to confirm whether or not they'd finish in the top two and score a double chance.
Reiffel, Smith and Truscott were best. Frank Roberts tore a knee muscle, and replaced by 19th man Barassi after half time.
Seconds
Collingwood 14.16 d. Melbourne 11.12
Media
Herald - 13/08/1937
Herald - 13/08/1937
Sporting Globe - 14/08/1937
Weekly Times - 14/08/1937
Sporting Globe - 18/08/1937
Argus - 18/08/1937
Football Record R17 1937
Teamworks - 06/1988
Links
Boyles Football Photos