Game Review

On this fine winter Saturday afternoon at East Melbourne, the freshmen of the Melbourne University Football Club displayed admirable skill and purpose in their first-ever VFL match against the Blues. Inspired by their tireless ruckman Tom Fogarty, the Students matched Carlton throughout the first half, then fought back from three goals down at three-quarter time to get within one straight kick of the undefeated ladder leaders at the final bell.

Although Carlton seemed to miss the dash of injured defender Norman Clark and the strength of Charlie Hammond in the ruck, the Students’ gritty determination almost caused a huge upset. The Blues added only two behinds in the last term, whilst the League newcomers booted two goals and all but pinched the match.

So, nine weeks into their campaign for Premiership number three, the Blueboys were still right on track – sitting on top of the ladder undefeated, with a percentage of 184.0. One win and a whopping 40% behind came Essendon, followed by St Kilda and South Melbourne. While Carlton was edging out University, the Bloods had convincingly defeated Collingwood to leap-frog into finals contention.

Team

Changes

In: R.McGregor, W.Koochew
Out: C.Hammond, N.Clark

Milestones

Last Game: Wally Koochew
100th and Last Game: Charlie Roland
Records: This was the first VFL match between Carlton and University
Footnote: Carlton had originally played University in the VFA for the first time in 1885, winning all five previous matches between the two sides.

Trove; Australasian June 27