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June 1880 match vs Geelong

Melbourne vs Geelong
Saturday 19 June
Venue: Richmond Paddock
Attendance: 10,000 - 13,000

Half timeFinal
Melbourne0.11.7
Geelong1.71.8


Match drawn

Goalkicker: John Macdonald 1

Due to the soft turf, the teams were forced off the main MCG oval and onto the secondary arena where the football club often trained. This gave them an advantage, and with the overcrowded grandstand reversed to face the football ground and spectators surrounding the field the teams played out a quality match.

From the first kick-off it was a fast game, and the spectators were free in applauding each piece of quality play. Geelong were acknowledged as the best team in Australia, and as such were expected to win but Melbourne held them to one goal each.

Much of the first half was spent with the two teams battling in the centre of the ground, each had their opportunities at goal but Geelong looked more likely - breaking through for the opening goal after 20 minutes. They had the better of the rest of the first half but couldn't add another major despite some gilt edged chances, - registering eight scoring shots to one before the break and hitting the post.

The metropolitan side came out of the half-time break with renewed vigour, and could have had the equaliser if a weak kick hadn't turned a goal into a behind. They registered more behinds but couldn't break through, and more easy shots were missed before John Macdonald finally capitalised on a defensive blunder to run into an open goal and register the breakthrough.

Each side had their chances, but Melbourne held on to deny Geelong another victory.

Best were Adams, J. Watson and Nash.

Notes
Ballarat Star says the half time score was 0.3 - 1.8, and the final score as 1.5 - 1.9

Media
Argus - 21/06/1880
Ballarat Star - 21/06/1880
Australasian - 26/06/1880
Advocate - 26/06/1880
Weekly Times - 26/06/1880