Round 9, 1996
Essendon vs Melbourne
Saturday 25 May
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 37,288
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Essendon | 2.8 | 4.12 | 8.18 | 11.23.89 |
| Melbourne | 3.1 | 5.2 | 10.3 | 12.5.77 |
Essendon win by 12 points
Goalkickers: Garry Lyon 5, Brett Lovett 2, Jeff Farmer 1, Andrew Obst 1, Jim Stynes 1, Craig Turley 1
Brownlow Votes:
1 - Brett Lovett
Milestones:
First Game
Michael Polley
Jim Stynes played his 205th consecutive game to beat the league record held by Jack Titus since 1943 but despite an improved effort the Demons lost again - leaving them 1-8 for the season.
Despite perfect conditions the two teams put on a terrible game, full of errors on both sides. Essendon's goalkicking was particuarly heinous, with spearhead Scott Cummings kicking 0.5 and one out on the full from his six shots on goal.
The Demons were a point behind at quarter time, but tellingly trailed in the scoring shot tally by four to ten. Essendon gradually drew away throughout the rest of the afternoon and won narrowly but comfortably as they kept their opposition at arm's length.
Best were Kowal, Stynes and B. Lovett
Video
Reserves
Essendon 19.14.128 d. Melbourne 11.10.76
Goals - Bradly 3, Charles 2, Corrigan 2, McDonald 2, O'Brien 1, D. Yze 1
Best - McDonald, Corrigan, Charles
Media
Football Record 1996 State of Origin