Richmond 9.7.61 def Nth Melb 5.6.36, at East Melbourne Cricket Ground

A bright, cool Saturday afternoon, saw 20,000 spectators watch Richmond and Nth Melbourne fight it out for the flag.  Richmond had defeated North the previous week in the final, but as North Melbourne had finished top of the ladder at season’s end, they were eligible for a rematch.

Richmond won the toss and kicked with the strong southerly breeze but only managed 2 goals in the tight first quarter. In the second quarter the game became more rugged, but Richmond’s defence held strong and at the main break scores were level.

The third quarter would be decisive – Richmond’s determined attacks resulted in 5 goals 3 behinds, while North were held scoreless.

Richmond’s victory came on the back of strong marking, pace and structure.

“There is little doubt but that the best team of the season won the match,” The Argus, Oct 9 1905.

Goalkickers:
Dick Knell 3, Charlie Ricketts 2, Walter Sykes 2, Ernest McDonald 1, Jack Megson 1,

Team Line-up

B: Charlie Williams, George Bownas, Jack Smith
HB: Alec Edmonds (c), Bill LanFranchi, Ernie Ruddock
C: Harry Rigby, Walter Sykes, Bert Lithgow
HF: Jack Megson, Dick Knell, William Carkeek
F: Ernest McDonald, Jack Hutchinson, Arthur Cleghorn,
Foll: Edward Leach, Tom Williams, Charlie Ricketts. 

1905 newspaper
Click to enlarge