page_title: 1897 VFL finals series
section_title: First round final (Melbourne vs. Collingwood)
hierarchical_section_title: 1897 VFL finals series / Matches / Week one / First round final (Melbourne vs. Collingwood)
caption_attribution_description: English: Australian rules footballer Jack Leith (b. 1872)
context_page_description: The Victorian Football League's 1897 finals series determined the top four final positions of the 1897 VFL season. It began on the weekend of August 21, 1897, and ended on the weekend of September 3, 1897. Essendon were crowned the 1897 VFL premiers, finishing the finals series on top of the mini-ladder.
context_section_description: Collingwood narrowly defeated Melbourne in probably the finest game of the season. Collingwood's form had vastly improved, although the Melbourne side was sadly depleted through injuries.
caption: Melbourne's Jack Leith kicked 4 goals in this 1st round match against Collingwood, the equal highest individual effort for the series.
exif: {}