Round 20, 1980
Richmond vs Melbourne
Saturday 16 August
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 19,048
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Richmond | 3.3 | 9.8 | 17.13 | 26.18.174 |
| Melbourne | 3.4 | 9.6 | 13.10 | 16.13.109 |
Richmond win by 63 points
Goalkickers: Steven Smith 7, Michael Seddon 2, Michael Byrne 1, Tony Dullard 1, Robert Elliott 1, Wayne Gordon 1, Andrew Moir 1, Bill Nettlefold 1, Kelly O'Donnell 1
Milestones:
First Game
Paul O'Brien
The far better on paper Tigers struggled miserably with the Demons in the first half before blowing them away in the third quarter to set up the big win that everyone had expected in the first place. Melbourne initially responded to a blast from chairman Wayne Reid after their previous loss but class won out in the end.
Seven goals for Steven Smith were beaten at the other end by Michael Roach who kicked nine, beating Jack Titus' 40 year old record for the club - including his 100th goal for the season. Smith had 7.5 for the day and had he kicked straight three times in the last term his side might have had a chance. Either way he was giving Francis Bourke his greatest ever hiding on the last line of defence.
It was all academic though, because as the pressure that had kept Melbourne in the game for the first half died away Richmond gradually took over. At half time Demon fans cheered their side off, but the challenge only lasted under three quarter time.
The Demons conceded the equal 14th most points of any Melbourne side in VFL/AFL history.
Best were Smith, Martyn and Seddon. Tony Dullard suffered a bruised back.
Lists
100 goals
Highest score conceded
Reserves
Richmond 28.34.202 d. Melbourne 7.12.54
Goalkickers - Buntz 2, Boyle 1, Ellingworth 1, Hamilton 1, O'Dwyer 1, Whitfort 1
Best - Hunnibell, Cooney, Bickford
Under 19s
Richmond 18.9.117 d. Melbourne 10.20.80
Goals - McCarthy 3, Corrigan 2, Fanning 1, Fidge 1, Higgins 1, Locandro 1, Sier 1
Best - Todd, Folan, Richards
Media
Canberra Times - 17/08/1980
Age - 18/08/1980
Football Record R21 1980