1998 Ansett Australia Cup Round 1
Melbourne vs Sydney
Sunday, 1 March
Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand
Attendance: 7820

	1st	2nd	3rd	Final
Melbourne	3.2	5.6	10.12	15.15.105
Sydney	2.2	7.3	11.7	14.9.93

Melbourne win by 12 points

Goalkickers: Jeff Farmer 4, Shaun Smith 4, David Schwarz 3, David Neitz 2, Russell Robertson 1, Shane Woewodin 1

In their first hit-out for the year the Demons travelled to New Zealand and pulled off a surprise win against the Swans. In contrast to their dismal 1997 form Melbourne were strong at the ball and the defenders held strong in the face of pressure from their opponents. They had to come from behind at half time, after having strips torn off them by first game coach Neale Daniher. The new coach had to let Greg Hutchison deliver the three quarter time address because he'd lost his voice.

Best were Farmer, White and Johnstone. Shaun Smith dislocated his finger and James McDonald hurt his groin.

Media
Age - 02/03/1998