Overview
- Carlton overcame an early 21-point deficit to beat Melbourne 10.14 (74) to 7.13 (55) on Saturday at the MCG in front of 91,733 fans.
- Sam Walsh dominated the midfield with 39 disposals and seven clearances while Jagga Smith finished with about 29 touches and two late goals that sealed the victory.
- Melbourne began strongly with four early goals but managed only three majors and 13 behinds after that start, with coach Steven King citing forward inefficiency as decisive.
- The Demons also entered the match with weakened tall options after Jacob van Rooyen's three-match suspension and Matthew Jefferson's knee issue, factors widely blamed for limiting their forward threat.
- In regional finals on the same day, Marrar beat Charles Sturt University 9.3 (57) to 7.8 (50) to reach the Farrer grand final and Wangaratta Rovers thrashed Myrtleford 14.14 (98) to 3.7 (25) to advance in the Ovens & Murray series.