The last time the two sides met was in Round Four – 23 April this season. In a close encounter, Melbourne triumphed by five points over the reigning premiers in front of 29,167 at the SCG.
Melbourne recorded their fourth highest score ever against SM/Sydney, in Round 15, 1991. With Allen Jakovich kicking 8.8, and Darren Bennett 7.2, Melbourne scored 26.21.177 to Sydney’s 14.10.94 – an 83 point victory, at the SCG.
The Anzac Day/Eve match between the two sides is a recent innovation, beginning in 2003. Since 2004, Melbourne has won all three Anzac games in Sydney – the Swans, however, have won both return encounters in Melbourne.
Upon formation of the VFL for the 1897 season, Round One for Melbourne was at Albert Park, against South Melbourne. Melbourne started their account in the new competition with a 17 point win.
Those who have been part of both Melbourne and South Melbourne/Sydney include:
Bert Avery
Garry Baker
Ron Barassi
Adrian Battiston
Harry Brereton (leading goal kicker for Melbourne in 1909 and 1912 – also leading VFL goal kicker in 1912 – 56 goals)
Paul Bryce
Michael Byrne
Paul Callery
Sid Catlin
Vin Catoggio
David Cordner
Daryl Cumming
Bill Daly
Ray Dawson
Billy Deans
Jim Dorgan
Rob Dowsing
Horrie Drane
Jamie Duursma
Kevin Dyson
John Ferguson
Charlie Goding
Stewart Gull
Gerard Healy
Wayne Henwood
Len ‘Innocent Mary’ Incigneri
Graeme Jacobs
Henri Jeanneret
Darren Jolly
Herb Joolen
Doug Koop
George ‘Snakes’ Lakes
Terry Leahy
Noel McMahen
Jim Makin
Herb Matthews
Herbie Matthews
Norm Matthews
Pat McNamara
Kevin Mithen
Craig Nettelbeck
Ray Nilsson
Jack O’Keefe (also police force’s champion boxer while playing)
Lou ‘Pop’ Reiffel (Paul’s grandfather)
Norm Smith
Kelvin Templeton
Stephen Tingay
Ted Wade
Shane Zantuck
