Saturday 5 September - Argyle Ground

Geelong 0
Melbourne 2 (half time 0-2)

Melbourne win by 2 goals

Goalkickers: Austin Loughnan 1, Angus Cumming 1

The unbeaten locals went in favourites, but a Melbourne side far from their best 20 won without extending themselves.

A strong wind blew to one end of the ground, and the visitors were fortunate to win the toss. Loughnan used the breeze to advantage by kicking the first goal from 60 yards. A sluggish Melbourne forward line - possibly still recovering from a pre-match lunch - struggled to take advantage of further goalscoring opportunities. After a number of chances, including the string of the ball hitting the post as the ball went through, Cumming finally scored a second. They continued to kick behinds for the rest of the half but were unable to break through again.

After half time Melbourne played far more urgent football while defending against the wind. Geelong had several opportunities from distance, but more often than not the ball was trapped in the middle of the ground. Melbourne also had chances close to goal but failed to convert. With 20 minutes to play Geelong thought they had a goal but it was ruled the ball had gone out of bounds first. Several minutes later they had a golden chance at another, with a miss from yards out and immediately after the game was terminated with Melbourne winners.

Best were Loughnan, Byrne and Bennie.

Media
Australasian - 12/09/1874