Round 17, 1971
Collingwood vs Melbourne
Saturday 24 July
Venue: Victoria Park
Attendance: 27,243
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Collingwood | 2.3 | 4.5 | 8.9 | 12.12.84 |
| Melbourne | 4.3 | 6.4 | 7.9 | 11.12.78 |
Collingwood win by 6 points
Goalkickers: Greg Parke 3, John Gallus 2, Graham Osborne 2, Stan Alves 1, Lloyd Burgmann 1, Paul Callery 1, John Tilbrook 1
Milestones:
Last Game
Gordon Lawrie
Even though only a few places separated the finals chasing Demons from the 2nd placed Magpies, Collingwood went into the match as red-hot favourites. They had to work hard to turn back Melbourne's challenge but eventually got the four points.
A giant effort by the Demons was complemented by an experimental lineup featuring Gary Hardeman at centre half-forward, Greg Parke at full-forward, Barry Bourke in a back pocket, Greg Wells on a wing and Barry Hodges at centre half-back.
The positional moves worked a treat, and were it not for their disappointing third quarter when they managed just one goal the Demons could have sprung a massive upset against the home side. Peter Keenan, in his regular position of the ruck, destroyed Graeme Jenkin who had to be replaced in the last quarter and Graham Osborne kicked two goals after coming on in the last quarter.
Peter McKenna had been well held for three quarters before booting two goals in the last quarter to steer the Pies home.
Melbourne's best were Hardeman, Biffin and Keenan. Stan Alves suffered a bruised thigh. Max Walker was an unused reserve.
Reserves
Collingwood 15.10 d. Melbourne 14.15
Goals - Carr 5, Colcott 3, Cumming 2, Honey 1, McSpeerin 1, Ritterman 1, Theodore 1
Best - Colcott, McSpeerin, Ritterman
Under 19s
Collingwood 17.10 defeated Melbourne 8.13
Goals - Hamblin 3, Moore 2, Tesoriero 2, Dilnot 1
Best - Martin, McGuinness, Harrold
Media
Age - 26/07/1971
Football Record R18 1971