Round 3, 1961
Essendon vs Melbourne
Tuesday 25 April
Venue: Windy Hill
Attendance: 32,000
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 3.1 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 8.9.57 |
| Melbourne | 3.4 | 5.6 | 8.11 | 11.16.82 |
Melbourne win by 25 points
Goalkickers: Ian Ridley 4, Frank Adams 2, Len Mann 2, Clyde Laidlaw 1, Hassa Mann 1, Alan Rowarth 1
Milestones:
First Game
Robert Miller
After dropping their first home game of the year in a disgraceful performance against Hawthorn, Melbourne travelled to Windy Hill three days later for a tough match against the Bombers but ran away in the last quarter for a comfortable win.
Melbourne went in with Frank Adams (knee), Alan Rowarth (shin) and Geoff Tunbridge (elbow) under an injury cloud - and the three were only cleared to play an hour before the match.
Essendon had Melbourne's measure in the first half but were wasteful with their chances early on and kept the door open for the Demons who eventually stop fumbling, took advantage and opened up a three goal lead going into the last quarter. Their goal-to-goal line had failed, but they had enough strength in other positions to win.
Early on Melbourne had seemed to lack vigour and pace, and when Essendon gave themselves a chance of victory by kicking three goals to one to open the term the Demons could have folded but they steadied to kick away with two of their own.
Gleeson, Adams and Ridley were Melbourne's best. Lord (bruised back) was replaced by Miller and Adams by Milner - both in the last quarter.
Gate receipts were donated to the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund.
Reserves (played Saturday 29 April)
Melbourne 14.12 d. Essendon 7.9
Goals - Turner 5, Dawson 3, Thorpe 2, Ireland 1, Carroll 1, Collins 1, Nilssen 1
Best - Roet, Nilssen, Dawson
Under 19's (played Saturday 29 April)
Essendon 11.15 d. Melbourne 9.8
Media
Football Record R4 1961
"Melbourne pinpoints Essendon weakness" - The Age 26/04/1961
"Demons found form in last half against Dons" - The Age 26/04/1961
Football Record R5 1961