The round of the 1-pointers
Collingwood went tumbling out of the Victorian League four when the Dons overran them in the last quarter and won by a point. That was not the only narrow victory in a remarkable day's football. Geelong survived St. Kilda by a point and Melbourne, still far from their top, were a point ahead of Hawthorn. Richmond fighting their way back to the four trounced Carlton, South, badly wanting a win, were beaten by a point, too, against North—four point wins in six games.
Footscray, who are fast becoming a hot shot for the League premiership, improved their percentage with a big margin over Fitzroy. The defeat of Collingwood at Essendon must not be taken as a surprise. The Dons are no mean team, and remember, they were winners over Melbourne in their last match in Melbourne.
Collingwood, after leading all day, were two goals up at three-quarter time. In a desperate rally Essendon over-ran Colllngwood and were a point up. 17.17 to 17.16 at the bell. Essendon have a remote chance of entering the finals. They would require to win every match to make the four and they might then be excluded on percentage. Essendon have 28 points, but would need 48 points to be in the running when the final reckoning is made. Essendon go to Carlton on Saturday.
Hawthorn and Melbourne staged a hard, congested struggle at Glenferrie today. Hawthorn's grim determination and vigour rattled Melbourne repeatedly. However, inaccuracy in front of the sticks robbed them of points early and finally of the game. Melbourne won in the air and they backed their success with long driving kicks. The last occasion the pair met Hawthorn won.
Geelong, without Jack Collins, were nearly defeated by St. Kilda at Geelong. This a is not a strong recommendation for the premiers of 1937, for Saints were rather travel sore after their visit to the West. Last time, Geelong were beaten and they deserved to be beaten again on Saturday. Winning in the rucks and aided by accurate forward work, St Kilda could not be shaken off. With ten minutes to play, St Kilda took the lead. Geelong rallied against the wind and just scrambled home.
Carlton went to Richmond with only one defeat to mar their season. That was when Melbourne just scrambled home early in the season. Richmond, on the other hand, were struggling for a place in the four. Richmond were early in control. Carlton battled bitterly, but they were weak forward, where Valence (full-forward) and Baxter (centre half-forward) were out through injury. To add to their inaccuracy forward, Carlton hit the post three times always when a goal would have put them back in the game. The game made the Tigers look a good team, but they are not quite that. They are still a six-man team. They go to Collingwood next Saturday.
South and North played fast attractive football. North, opening out, playing brilliant systematic football, and delivering the ball smartly, had South difficulty early. South returned the compliment. The last quarter produced football of the highest order, with North snatching a win by a point.
Footscray continues to win and win well. Against Fitzroy, they showed superior teamwork, better co-operation in attack and a decided ruck advantage. At times, Fitzroy unwound some brilliant football, but Footscray held the upper hand throughout and ran out easy winners.
The four last quarters (The Age)
Essendon v Collingwood
…Cassin raised Essendon’s hopes with two quick goals, leving them twelve points in arrears at the last change.
Settling down to steady football. the Magpies drew away again, and with fifteen minutes left for play were 23 points ahead. Helped by Torney's ruck superiority. T. Reynolds scored two splendid goals amidst intense excitement and when Lippiatt goaled soon after only a point separated the teams. A single by Watts made the scores level, and Collingwood's backs, unsettled by Essendon's great finish, were unable to cope with the home side's next attack, and the Dons were six points ahead. After Essendon had added two further points, Collingwood rushed a single in a desperate rally, and when Naismith goaled in the time-off period the crowd went frantic, the bell, however, stopped the next advance, giving Essendon a narrow victory by one point.
Final scores: —
ESSENDON 17.17 (119 points)
COLLINGWOOD 17.16 (118 points)
North Melbourne v South Melbourne
The Southerners rose to magnificent heights in their great endeavour in the third term. Following a point, they rattled up eight goals straight, eventually emerging with a well-deserved lead of 20 points at the last change.
North's gallant last-quarter rally will never be forgotten by supporters of the club. Lion-hearted play brought them to within 6 points of South's score, and excitement became intense as the players fought out the desperate finish. Forbes's kick was touched in transit, but Findlay slammed home a goal before he sprawled to the ground, putting North a point in front. Seven more followed until at last Pratt marked in the teeth of goal and raised both flags, bringing the margin down to two points. Another flying Southern shot raised a single as the players fought out the inspiring finish, but at last the bell tolled to relieve the tension.
Final scores: —
NORTH MELB. 13.18 (96 points)
SOUTH MELB. 14.11 (95 points)
Melbourne v Hawthorn
Melbourne led by 18 points at the last change. Playing direct Hawthorn left the visitors standing, and taking control wiped off the deficit and led by a point. Melbourne steadied and two quick singles in the last five minutes of play had the supporters roaring encouragement. Hawthorn played grandly, but La Fontaine threw a strong line across the centre, and Melbourne held on grimly to win by a point.
Final scores: —
MELBOURNE 9.16 (70 points)
HAWTHORN 10.9 (69 points)
Geelong v St. Kilda
Weight more than science was the dominant factor in the last quarter. Geelong scored twice before St. Kilda, again dominating the air, moved forward, and Curyer scored twice and Fisher booted one from off the ground a few feet from the line. Geelong's defence was disorganised, and there appeared to be no inspiration for recovery. Hickey went into the ruck to rally his forces, but St. Kilda continued to prevail, and a crop of behind was all that came. Just on time, Williamson was awarded a free kick, but his shot went out of bounds, and Geelong was given respite for a second. The ball was at the teeth of goal when the bell rang.
Final scores: —
GEELONG 14.20 (104 points)
ST. KILDA 15.13 (103 points)
Footnotes
Title: Four One-Point Successes
Author: Sporting Globe Staff Writer
Publisher: Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Victoria, 1922-1954)
Date: Saturday, 23 July 1938, p.8 (Article)
Web: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article180867571
Title: Thrilling VFL matches
Author: Forward
Publisher: The Age (Melbourne, Victoria, 1854-1954)
Date: Saturday, 25 July 1938, p.8 (Article)
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