Saturday 12 July - East Melbourne Cricket Ground
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 3.1 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.9 |
| Melbourne | 0.3 | 1.3 | 6.4 | 7.4 |
Match drawn
Goalkickers: Smith 3, Aitken 1, R. Kelly 1, Wilson 1, McLean 1
On a wet ground the home side kicked three quick goals early, and when they were 5-1 in front at half time looked like winning easily. Melbourne then sparked in the third quarter, kicking five goals to one to level the scores.
The Reds then took the lead, holding it until just before the final bell when Essendon equalised.
Best were Hallett, Fox and Smith.
Media
Sportsman - 16/07/1890