Semi Final 1928

See also Semi Final Replay 1928

Semi Final, 1928
Melbourne vs Collingwood
Saturday 15 September
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 41,423

Match Drawn

Goalkickers: Robert C Johnson 4, Tommy McConville 2, Jimmy Davidson 1, Col Deane 1, Stan Wittman 1

Milestones:
100 Games
Ted Thomas

In a blustery wind that spoiledaccurate passing, Collingwood dominated their opponents for three quarters. A behind on (or according to some, after) the three-quarter time bell that left the margin an even five goals looked to have sealed the game in their favour.

Throughout the day Melbourne's high marking was affected by windy conditions, and the Magpies won a surprisingly easy victory in the centre of the ground where the Redlegs were expected to dominate. Collingwood had the wind in the first quarter but didn't use it effectively, as Melbourne's defence kept them in the contest while the rest of the side weren't playing at their best and kept the margin to 10 points.

The Fuschias then wasted their chance to kick with the breeze, with poor forward play holding them to three behinds - but Collingwood were unable to take advantage and only increased three points to the margin by half time. The Reds continued to be disappointing going into the second half and Collingwood opened up a five goal lead at the last change.

With the game seemingly won the Pies stopped cold, and Melbourne were inspired by Ivor Warne-Smith to boot five goals and force a replay. Abandoning a short kicking game up front they started to bomb long shots and it worked. Melbourne kicked three in the first six minutes through Johnson (twice) and Deane before Gordon Coventry attempted a short pass instead of a shot at goal down the other end and failed to score.

Seconds before the siren Tommy McConville stormed through three packs to kick the tying goal. From the bounce Melbourne launched another attack through Haw but was thwarted when the bell rang again to end the match.

Collins, Thomas and Barnes were Melbourne's best.

Collingwood narrowly won the replay a week later.

Lists
Draws

Media
Football Record 1928 Finals
The Argus - The Argus 17/09/1928
Table Talk - 20/09/1928
Weekly Times - 22/09/1928