AUSTRALIAN- FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 57

AUSTRALIAN- FOOTBALL.

BX HOKI POENE. I

MELBOURNE, May 7. Football under Australian rules is in full swing again in Victoria, public interest being as keen, if not keener, in it than ever. The*© must have been fully 15,000 people on the Collingwood Ground on Satm-day, when the local team waltzed over Carlton by 70 point-s (10 goals, 10 behinds) to 38 iS — 14). Gollingwood had been defeated on the previous Saturday by Fitzroy (last year's premiers), but only by 3 points — 34- to 31;— whilst Carlton had triumphed over Es&endon. The best niatch last Saturday was that between South Melbourne and Melbourne, on the ground of the former. The Southerners led from the start till the last quarter, when the "Redlegs" got on level terma with them, a terrific struggle eventuating in the home team securing the winning goal just on the call of time. Scores: South Melbourne, 73 points (11 and 7) ; Melbourne, 67 points (10—7). Fitzroy And South Melbourne are in the lead at present, neither team having sus tamed a defeat ; whilst Melbourne, Collingwood, Carlton, and Essendon have each lost a niatch. Geelong and St. Kilda have been unsuccessful in their two ventures. It looks as if there wouTd be an exciting contest for the premiership this season between Fitzroy, 'Oollihgwpod, South Melbourne, and Melbourne ; but unless the Carlton lads improve vastly, on. last Saturday's showing, when Oollingwood discipline triumphed over Gerltcm disorganisation every time, they will finish out of a place to a certainty*