1918

The worst years of World War I had finished by the start of the 1918 season, and Essendon and St Kilda were able to again field teams. Melbourne were still missing from the competition, but World War I would end in 1918 and they would rejoin in 1919.

Carlton again made the final 4 but would lose to South Melbourne in a close second Semi Final by 5 points. The Blues were eventually ranked third, with their failure to make it through Grand Final was a mirror performance of 1917.

South Melbourne would defeat 1917 Champions Collingwood in the Grand Final.

Ladder

People of 1918

Coach: Norman Clark
Captain: Rod McGregor
Leading Goal-kicker: Ern Cowley - 35 goals. Cowley also kicked the most goals for the competition in 1918.

Debuts

Round 11: Frank Mercovich, Ray Stewart
Round 6: Bill Clohesy
Round 4: Jim Howe
Round 3: Harry Furnell, Jack Woolley
Round 2: Percy Jackson
Round 1: Ern Cowley, Fred Johnson, Jack Keily, Leo Tasker

vs Preston at Princes Park April 20

vs Williamstown Juniors on Princes Park May 04

Saturday's Herald said on the Melbourne ground, but the advert in Friday's Herald said Carlton.
Perhaps by Melbourne they mean Princes Park the location in Melbourne, as opposed to playing at Williamstown.
The Williamstown Chronicle said at Carlton.
Half time and final scores only.
Carl; 10.3.63 - 15.14.104
Wm.J; 1.2. 8 - 3.5.23
The Sporting Judge May 11 (p4) said the final score was 18.13.121 - 3.8.26

War Effort

"Over £1,700 is stated to have been raised for war purposes last season (1917) from football, bringing the total contributed by League clubs to some £5,000. Another gratifying feature is that from the six competing clubs no fewer than 133 players have enlisted as follow;
Fitzroy 32, Richmond 31, Carlton 22, South Melbourne 18, Collingwood 16, Geelong 14.
Essendon and and St.Kilda have decided to join the fray, it is reasonable to expect even better results than formerly. Melbourne is now the only club standing out."
(Arrow, Sydney May 10 1918)