Melbourne locked in 4th spot, with nothing to play for. Sydney playing for a home Final, Papley out. McDonald gets the opener for the Swans, setup by Heeney. Fritsch back in for the Dees, marks and kicks the reply. Gulden goals under pressure from 50, Melbourne up 3, in an even opening term. May's kickouts are supreme, there's little scoring in the 2nd though. Melbourne leads by 8 at the half. Sydney with a flurry of goals to start the 3rd, including Gulden again from outside 50. Petracca with a good goal and the Dees cut the margin back to just 4, going into 3-quarter time. Warner good in the contest all day, including quality chase down tackles. Melbourne goes ahead though and Fritsch slots his fourth and then another to seal the victory, home by 21 points. Fritsch best afield in his return, with 16 disposals and 5 straight goals, in 70% game time. May 21 disposals, 2 contested marks, 10 intercepts and 550 metres gained. Oliver 25 disposals, 8 inside 50's, 7 tackles, 7 intercepts and 2 assists. For Sydney, Gulden 42 disposals, 6 intercepts, 572 metres gained and 2 goals. Warner 19 of 22 disposals effective, 7 inside 50's, 5 tackles, 466 metres gained and a goal. Mills 30 disposals, 6 inside 50's, 12 tackles, a goal and 2 assists. McCartin 16 disposals, 2 contested marks and 9 intercepts.
3. (Melb) B. Fritsch, 2. (Syd) E. Gulden, 1. (Syd) C. Warner.
3. (Melb) B. Fritsch, 2. (Syd) E. Gulden, 1. (Syd) C. Warner.