Round 18, 1924
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 6 September
Venue: Windy Hill
Attendance: 10,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 4.5 | 6.6 | 11.7 | 12.10.82 |
| Melbourne | 3.3 | 10.5 | 12.10 | 14.12.96 |
Melbourne win by 14 points
Goalkickers: Harry Davie 4, Hugh Dunbar 3, Percy Tulloh 3, Jimmy Abernethy 2, Bert Chadwick 1, George Haines 1
Milestones:
First Game
Max Wright
Last Game
Mick Anthony
Eric Donaldson
Edgar Dunbar
Last Game as Coach
Gordon Rattray
The Redlegs found form at the right time to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. Essendon had already sewn up a double chance and had nothing to play for. Melbourne, led by Harry Davie who took his tally to 14 goals in his first three games, took advantage of their lacklustre performance to grab the win.
The first half saw the home side playing a casual game as if they assumed they'd eventually win against a side who had lost six in a row and had won one game in almost four months. Essendon was lucky to have the lead at quarter time after kicking the last goal, but on the back of a strong ruck performance Melbourne kicked seven goals to two with the wind in the second quarter to open up a commanding lead over their listless opponents. Again Essendon got a late goal to improve their position, but were still left 23 points behind.
Given their chance with the breeze again in the third quarter Essendon warmed up. Melbourne missed two early chances before the home team got their seventh goal of the game, and from there they took command. The margin was back to nine at the last change of ends.
During the three quarter time break Hugh Dunbar collapsed and was carried from the field, but he recovered to play a prominent part in the finish. Essendon had a reputation as great finishers but an early attack was turned back and Melbourne got the first two goals of the quarter through the recovered Dunbar and Davie to seal victory. A late equaliser to Essendon did not help their cause.
Chadwick, Thomas and Corbett were best in Melbourne's second win against Essendon since 1910.
Seconds
Essendon 10.13.73 d. Melbourne 7.5.47
Goals - Parker 3, Atkin 1, Eady 1, Drake 1, Jackson 1
Best - Fulling, Forness, Drake
Media
Sporting Globe - 06/09/1924
Argus - 08/09/1924
Sporting Globe - 10/09/1924
Football Record 1924 finals