Round 19, 1968
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 24 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 27,967
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 2.6 | 6.10 | 10.12 | 12.14.86 |
| Collingwood | 3.3 | 4.9 | 8.11 | 12.15.87 |
Collingwood win by 1 point
Goalkickers: Ted Lees 3, Greg Parke 2, John Townsend 2, Barrie Vagg 2, Gary Hardeman 1, Bryan Kenneally 1, Hassa Mann 1
Milestones:
Nil
The two great traditional rivals met with nothing on the line and no chance of playing in the finals, but the weight of history got the better of the two clubs and despite each side's season being over they played out a thriller.
Two goals in front at the last change the Demon defence nearly held firm long enough in the face of an onslaught by the visitors. Melbourne had outplayed them for three quarters, and led by as much as 19 when John Townsend goalled to open the quarter before three goals dragged the margin back to two points before the Magpies kicked two behinds to level the score. Peter McKenna goalled before Barrie Vagg levelled the scores again, but a rushed behind to the Pies got them over the line.
The win was not without controversy. It was suggested one Collingwood goal had clearly been touched, while a Gary Hardeman behind was counted on the scoreboard even though the umpire waved play on.
Best were Parke, Lees and Vagg. Alves (broken ankle) was replaced by Stone in the first quarter. Roet was an unused replacement.
Reserves
Melbourne 8.10 d. Collingwood 6.13
Goals - Fahey 3, Aubrey 1, Smith 1, K. Osborne 1, Walker 1, Bisson 1
Best - Emselle, Walker, Sullivan
Under 19s
Collingwood 12.3 d. Melbourne 6.19
Goals - Mitchell 2, Callery 1, Colcott 1, Cranage 1, Missen 1
Best - Stanton, Swift, Jennings
Reported - Stanton (disputing decision with abusive language)
Media
Football Record R20 1968
Age - 26/08/1968