12 good reasons

[old dee 23,787]

oops I do stand corrected. I was going to say, is anyone paying attention, there will be Q/A at the end. But I will walk off removing the egg from that stuffup.

Small thing in the scheme of things DeeVoted.

[DeeVoted 583]

The 2nd of 12:

1926 Grand Final Results: Saturday, 9th October , M.C.G

Umpire: McMurray Snr

Attendance: 59,632

MELBOURNE 4.5 7.7 14.9 17.17 (119)

COLLINGWOOD 1.1 6.4 7.6 9.8 (62)

MELBOURNE

B: C. Streeter, H. Coy, J. Abernethy

HB: W. Tymms, H. Dunbar, E.H. Thomas

C: R. Taylor, I. Warne-Smith, J.A. Collins

HF: S. Wittman, R.C. Johnson, J. Davidson

F: F. Vine, D. Duff, H. Moyes

RUCK: A. Chadwick (Capt), C. Deane, H. White

Goals: R.C. Johnson 6, Moyes 3, Wittman 3, Duff 2, Deane, Taylor, Vine.

Best: Abernethy, Johnson, Moyes, Streeter, Warne-Smith, Wittman.

COACH - A. Chadwick.

COLLINGWOOD

B: L. Wescott, G. Beasley, J. Poulter

HB: E. Wilson, A. Collier, J. Shanahan

C: J.D. Harris, J. Beveridge, C. Milburn

HF: R. Baker, F.Murphy, H. Chesswas

F: C. Tyson (Capt), G. Coventry, H. Collier

RUCK: S. Coventry, R. Makeham, W. Libbis

Goals: H. Collier 3, G.Coverntry 2, Baker, A. Collier, Libbis, Makeham.

Best:Beasley, H. Collier, S. Coventry, Harris, Shanahan, Wescott.

COACH - Jock McHale

If the Grand Final was a slightly less than classic encounter between two of the archrivals of the competition, the Preliminary Final meeting between Melbourne and Essendon was one of the most memorable games of all time, if not all season. It saw a close fought finish in high wind conditions, and players struggling to keep their footing.

With players rotated at high speed, the Melbourne side won by three points, thanks in no small part to Bob Corbett, the injured wingman, who made his way back onto the ground with his head bandaged to inspire his tiring teammates. As a result of his injury, reserves became part of the game from 1930 onwards, able to replace injured players.

A first game player replaced Corbett in the Grand Final 'Pop' Vine. The game itself was even until half-time, with Melbourne?s three pronged attack then taking over. Moyes, Duff and Johnson were the men who took control, with Warne-Smith reigning supreme in the centre. Melbourne set a new finals score record, and registered their first win in 26 years. One of the first to offer congratulations was 96 year-old Henry Harrison, one of the founding fathers of the game.

[dpositive 1,665]

Umpire: McMurray Snr

Did the change from a Crapp umpire improve the result?

[old dee 23,787]

Even though it was 88 years ago it is still good to read about the Dees beating Collingwood in a GF or any game for that matter.

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

The 2nd of 12:

1926 Grand Final Results: Saturday, 9th October , M.C.G

Umpire: McMurray Snr

Attendance: 59,632

MELBOURNE 4.5 7.7 14.9 17.17 (119)

COLLINGWOOD 1.1 6.4 7.6 9.8 (62)

MELBOURNE

B: C. Streeter, H. Coy, J. Abernethy

HB: W. Tymms, H. Dunbar, E.H. Thomas

C: R. Taylor, I. Warne-Smith, J.A. Collins

HF: S. Wittman, R.C. Johnson, J. Davidson

F: F. Vine, D. Duff, H. Moyes

RUCK: A. Chadwick (Capt), C. Deane, H. White

Goals: R.C. Johnson 6, Moyes 3, Wittman 3, Duff 2, Deane, Taylor, Vine.

Best: Abernethy, Johnson, Moyes, Streeter, Warne-Smith, Wittman.

COACH - A. Chadwick.

COLLINGWOOD

B: L. Wescott, G. Beasley, J. Poulter

HB: E. Wilson, A. Collier, J. Shanahan

C: J.D. Harris, J. Beveridge, C. Milburn

HF: R. Baker, F.Murphy, H. Chesswas

F: C. Tyson (Capt), G. Coventry, H. Collier

RUCK: S. Coventry, R. Makeham, W. Libbis

Goals: H. Collier 3, G.Coverntry 2, Baker, A. Collier, Libbis, Makeham.

Best:Beasley, H. Collier, S. Coventry, Harris, Shanahan, Wescott.

COACH - Jock McHale

If the Grand Final was a slightly less than classic encounter between two of the archrivals of the competition, the Preliminary Final meeting between Melbourne and Essendon was one of the most memorable games of all time, if not all season. It saw a close fought finish in high wind conditions, and players struggling to keep their footing.

With players rotated at high speed, the Melbourne side won by three points, thanks in no small part to Bob Corbett, the injured wingman, who made his way back onto the ground with his head bandaged to inspire his tiring teammates. As a result of his injury, reserves became part of the game from 1930 onwards, able to replace injured players.

A first game player replaced Corbett in the Grand Final 'Pop' Vine. The game itself was even until half-time, with Melbourne?s three pronged attack then taking over. Moyes, Duff and Johnson were the men who took control, with Warne-Smith reigning supreme in the centre. Melbourne set a new finals score record, and registered their first win in 26 years. One of the first to offer congratulations was 96 year-old Henry Harrison, one of the founding fathers of the game.

So, just to clarify. Not only were there no interchange players, but not even a 19th man. Is that right? So in this context does "rotated" mean moving from, say, the centre to the forward pocket? And if Bob Corbett "made his way back onto the ground", does that mean we played one short for a while?

Really enjoy your work, DeeVoted. PLease keep it going.

[DeeVoted 583]

So, just to clarify. Not only were there no interchange players, but not even a 19th man. Is that right? So in this context does "rotated" mean moving from, say, the centre to the forward pocket? And if Bob Corbett "made his way back onto the ground", does that mean we played one short for a while?

Prior to 1930 there were no players on the bench, what was on the field was it. When Corbett went off for medical attention, we would have been playing a man down. The rotations .... my best guess is what you suggested, they would have swung players on the ball around to give them a breather.

The 19th man came in after 1930, then a few years later than added the 20th man. Once a player was replaced by either, they had to stay off, then couldn't come back on the ground.

[old dee 23,787]

Prior to 1930 there were no players on the bench, what was on the field was it. When Corbett went off for medical attention, we would have been playing a man down. The rotations .... my best guess is what you suggested, they would have swung players on the ball around to give them a breather.

The 19th man came in after 1930, then a few years later than added the 20th man. Once a player was replaced by either, they had to stay off, then couldn't come back on the ground.

More is the pity we don't still have the same rules

[DeeVoted 583]

More is the pity we don't still have the same rules

I prefered the 19th and 20th being interchangable, either could come on or off when needed. 20 players on a interchange bench only favours the teams with more depth on their list. Then I would have had 2 or 3 players to cover injured players that were out for the game.Once they came on they had to stay on.

[old dee 23,787]

I prefered the 19th and 20th being interchangable, either could come on or off when needed. 20 players on a interchange bench only favours the teams with more depth on their list. Then I would have had 2 or 3 players to cover injured players that were out for the game.Once they came on they had to stay on.

I agree Deevoted has to be better than the current.

[DeeVoted 583]

No3 of 12 :

1939 Grand Final Results : Saturday, 30th September , M.C.G

MELBOURNE 3.5 10.10 15.14 21.22 (148)

COLLINGWOOD 6.5 10.6 13.9 14.11 (95)

Umpire: Coward (dislocated elbow) replaced by Blackburn in 2nd quarter.

Attendance 80,897

MELBOURNE

B: R. Emselle, J. Mueller, R. Fischer

HB: R. Hingston, G. Jones, F. Roberts

C: R. Wartman, A. La Fontaine (Capt), S. Anderson

HF: K. Truscott, R. Baggott, L. Jones

F: H. Ball, N. Smith, A. Rodda

RUCK: R. Kimberley, J. Furniss, P. Beames

RES: J. O'Keefe

Goals: Beames 4, Rodda 4, L. Jones 3, Ball 2, Mueller 2, Truscott 2,Smith, Wartman.

Best: Beames, Roberts, Anderson, Rodda, Wartman, Truscott.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

COLLINGWOOD

B: G. Hocking, J. Regan, J. Murphy

HB: J. Ross, A. Williams, D. Balfour

C: F. Fricker, M. Whelan, N. Campbell

HF: C. McRae, A. Kyne, V. Doherty

F: J. Knight, R. Todd, D. Fothergill

RUCK: A. Collier, B. Woods, H. Collier (Capt)

RES: J. Green

Goals: Todd 6, Fothergill 3, Knight 2, Balfour, McRae, Doherty

Best: Regan, Todd, Knight, H. Collier, Kyne, Ross

COACH - Jock McHale

MELBOURNE, which had embarked on a mammoth recruiting drive in 1937, started the 1939 season as just another mediocre team but, after a string of early wins and a thumping 92-point win over 1938 grand finalist Collingwood, quickly shot to flag favoritism. Then, after the Redlegs defeated the Magpies by 14 points in the second semi-final, every football critic was convinced Melbourne would win its first flag for 13 years. Then, when Collingwood defeated St Kilda by 29 points in the preliminary final, there seemed to be a way the Redlegs could fall to the Magpies in the grand final.

Coached by the legendary Frank "Checker" Hughes, Melbourne played fast, aggressive football with the emphasis on discipline. Collingwood coach Jock McHale implored his players to look for star forward Ron Todd (who had kicked 11 goals against St Kilda) at every opportunity and Melbourne was well aware that the Magpie goal kicker represented the bigger obstacle to winning the flag.

Collingwood started well and, in fact, led by 18 points at the first break. However, a freak incident in the second quarter gave the Redlegs time to collect their collective breath. Field umpire Coward injured an elbow and had to be replaced by emergency umpire Blackburn. Melbourne regrouped after this incident to kick three goals in four minutes to close the half-time gap to just four points. Although Todd was doing well for the Magpies close to goal, Melbourne made sure the ball did not reach him enough for the Magpies to kick a winning score and, in fact, attacked relentlessly to keep the ball at the other end.

With Melbourne's Allan La Fontaine containing Collingwood star Marcus Whelan in the centre, the Magpies did not have the drive they needed to stop the Redlegs' run. Melbourne won by 53 points in what eventually was a one-sided grand final.

Edited January 24, 2015 by DeeVoted

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

Another great report, DeeVoted but there's a possible discrepancy in the umpire's name. You have it as McMurray in one place and Coward as another.

Just to get in first, interesting that the umpire in 1900 was Crapp and in 1939 was a Coward.

edit: fix typo

[daisycutter 29,613]

Another great report, DeeVoted but there's a possible discrepancy in the umpire's name. You have it as McMurray in one place and Coward as another.

Just to get in first, interesting that the umpire in 1900 was Crapp and in 1939 was a Coward.

edit: fix typo

maybe maggot wasn't yet in the vernacular at that time ldvc

[DeeVoted 583]

Just to get in first, interesting that the umpire in 1900 was Crapp and in 1939 was a Coward.

Thanks for picking that up.

Coward by name only it seems, he fronted up again the following year. Rumour has it someone bent his arm for more free kicks, gotta hand it to that Collingwood army, they would try anything back then to beat us

[DeeVoted 583]

No 4 of 12:

1940 Grand Final Results Saturday, 28th September , M.C.G

Umpire: Coward

Attendance: 70,330

MELBOURNE 4.8 10.11 13.15 15.17 (107)

RICHMOND: 3.0 4.2 5.4 10.8 (68)

MELBOURNE

B: R. Emselle, F. Roberts, H. Ball

HB: C. McLean, G. Jones, R. Hingston

C: R. Wardman, A. La Fontaine (Capt), S. Anderson,

HF: M. Gibb, R. Baggott, K. Truscott

F: F. Fanning, N. Smith, A. Rodda

RUCK: J. Mueller, J. O'Keefe, P.Beames

RES: R.J. Barassi Snr

Goals: Smith 7, Baggott 2, Beames 2, O'Keefe 2, Truscott, Fanning.

Best: Beames, Smith, Baggott, LaFontaine, Mueller, Ball.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

RICHMOND:

B: K. O'Neill, G. Smeaton, J. Symons

HB: R. Steele, I. Hull, J. Cotter

C: A. McDonald, B. Waldon, B. Edwards

HF: R. Martin, J. Crane, L. Smith

F: R. Bawden, J. Titus, R. Harris

RUCK: P. Bentley (Capt.), J. Dyer, J. Quinn

RES: L. Merrett

Goals: Harris 5, Titus 3, Crane, Bawden.

Best: Harris, Titus, McDonald, Dyer, Edwards, Cotter.

COACH - P. Bentley

MELBOURNE, not content with a solitary premiership after years of struggle, recruited even harder in the lead-up to the 1940 season and was almost unbackable to land back-to-back flags.

The Redlegs finished the home and away season on top of the ladder (two games clear of Richmond) and had a galaxy of stars to stop all challengers. Melbourne, however, suffered a serious setback to its ambitions when Richmond defeated it by six points in the second semi-final. If Melbourne was to win the flag it would have to do it the hard way, and started by defeating Essendon by just five points in the preliminary final. From being flag favorite a fortnight earlier, Melbourne now was the underdog in the big one against Richmond.

Redleg coach "Checker" Hughes therefore planned his tactics with meticulous care and realised that the Tigers would depend enormously on Jack Dyer in the ruck. Hughes therefore asked the under-rated Jack O'Keefe to "tag" the Tiger star.

O'Keefe did his job so well, he played a pivotal role in Melbourne winning the 1940 flag. O'Keefe never left Dyer's side, and with their star out of the game, Richmond wilted under the ferocious Melbourne pressure. The game was as good as won when the Redlegs led by 45 points at half time and only poor kicking for goal prevented a much wider margin.

Melbourne eventually won by 39 points, with Norm Smith kicking seven goals after being given instructions by Hughes to play an unorthodox role at full-forward by roaming from one side of the forward zone to the other.

[bush demon 2,039]

No 4 of 12:

1940 Grand Final Results Saturday, 28th September , M.C.G

Umpire: Coward

Attendance: 70,330

MELBOURNE 4.8 10.11 13.15 15.17 (107)

RICHMOND: 3.0 4.2 5.4 10.8 (68)

MELBOURNE

B: R. Emselle, F. Roberts, H. Ball

HB: C. McLean, G. Jones, R. Hingston

C: R. Wardman, A. La Fontaine (Capt), S. Anderson,

HF: M. Gibb, R. Baggott, K. Truscott

F: F. Fanning, N. Smith, A. Rodda

RUCK: J. Mueller, J. O'Keefe, P.Beames

RES: R.J. Barassi Snr

Goals: Smith 7, Baggott 2, Beames 2, O'Keefe 2, Truscott, Fanning.

Best: Beames, Smith, Baggott, LaFontaine, Mueller, Ball.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

RICHMOND:

B: K. O'Neill, G. Smeaton, J. Symons

HB: R. Steele, I. Hull, J. Cotter

C: A. McDonald, B. Waldon, B. Edwards

HF: R. Martin, J. Crane, L. Smith

F: R. Bawden, J. Titus, R. Harris

RUCK: P. Bentley (Capt.), J. Dyer, J. Quinn

RES: L. Merrett

Goals: Harris 5, Titus 3, Crane, Bawden.

Best: Harris, Titus, McDonald, Dyer, Edwards, Cotter.

COACH - P. Bentley

MELBOURNE, not content with a solitary premiership after years of struggle, recruited even harder in the lead-up to the 1940 season and was almost unbackable to land back-to-back flags.

The Redlegs finished the home and away season on top of the ladder (two games clear of Richmond) and had a galaxy of stars to stop all challengers. Melbourne, however, suffered a serious setback to its ambitions when Richmond defeated it by six points in the second semi-final. If Melbourne was to win the flag it would have to do it the hard way, and started by defeating Essendon by just five points in the preliminary final. From being flag favorite a fortnight earlier, Melbourne now was the underdog in the big one against Richmond.

Redleg coach "Checker" Hughes therefore planned his tactics with meticulous care and realised that the Tigers would depend enormously on Jack Dyer in the ruck. Hughes therefore asked the under-rated Jack O'Keefe to "tag" the Tiger star.

O'Keefe did his job so well, he played a pivotal role in Melbourne winning the 1940 flag. O'Keefe never left Dyer's side, and with their star out of the game, Richmond wilted under the ferocious Melbourne pressure. The game was as good as won when the Redlegs led by 45 points at half time and only poor kicking for goal prevented a much wider margin.

Melbourne eventually won by 39 points, with Norm Smith kicking seven goals after being given instructions by Hughes to play an unorthodox role at full-forward by roaming from one side of the forward zone to the other.

This was the game where a plan was devised to stop Jack Dyer 'taking out' Norm Smith. Red Fox describes how one of the Melbourne players (a copper, i think) tailed Dyer and prevented him from having his normal impact, excusing the pun.

[DeeVoted 583]

This was the game where a plan was devised to stop Jack Dyer 'taking out' Norm Smith. Red Fox describes how one of the Melbourne players (a copper, i think) tailed Dyer and prevented him from having his normal impact, excusing the pun.

Dyer 'cleaned' up Smith in the 2nd semi. Capt blood said it was probably the best shirtfront he had given anyone. Smith had to go off eventually, he was in gar gar land.

[Barney Rubble 1,576]

funny, i don't remember any of those players

anyone know where the east melbourne cg was?

i suspect the 20+k crowd was a sellout

It was that barren swamp between the 4 Red River Gums and the 4 Ghost Gums.

The East Melbourne Cricket Ground was a grass oval sports venue located at the corner of Wellington Parade and Jolimont Parade, in East Melbourne

The ground was opened in 1860 and closed in 1921. It adjoined the Melbourne Cricket Ground and was not far from the Richmond Cricket Ground, all three grounds being cited in the area formerly known as Captain Lonsdale's Cow Paddock

After the 1921 football season, the ground was closed and then demolished to make way for an extension of the Jolimont Yard railway sidings.

When the East Melbourne Cricket Club lost the use of the ground in 1921, it amalgamated with the Hawthorn Cricket Club to form the Hawthorn-East Melbourne Cricket Club, and moved to Hawthorn's Glenferrie Oval. One of the wooden stands was moved from East Melbourne to Glenferrie Oval where it stood until 1965 when it was replaced by the Dr A.S. Ferguson Stand.

Is that where we got the idea of merging with the Hawks. . Nothing changes

.

Edited January 25, 2015 by Pig Dog

[DeeVoted 583]

I would like to pause here for a moment. Reflect back to our players and our club that lost many players. Perhaps we may have been able to add to the tally the coming years. But like many we suffered, not just in football terms. But we had a mini rebuild and it took a few years to recover.Anzac day this year, will be even more special. This is an extract I got from somewhere, Demonwiki has more info for anyone interested in reading more.

The loss of the likes of Ball, Barassi and 'Bluey' hit the Club hard. As one generation of young men stood in silence on 21 April 2009, so another assembled for two minutes silence in the club rooms on 31 March 1943. 'Bluey' was gone. Club President Joe Blair spoke for many when he said, There was no finer example of a grand young Australian. Even after he enlisted in April 1940, Truscott had continued playing, and took his place in the triumphant Grand Final side at the end of that season. He had returned for one more game when on leave, played in the mud of Punt Road against Richmond in May 1942. Despite a 79 point loss for Melbourne, it was what the Football Record called 'a gala day for 'Bluey'', revelling in the chance to lead the way for one last day, one remaining game.

And so he left to become the Commanding Officer of No. 76 Squadron, and so he was lost but not forgotten less than a year later, and is commemorated to this day. The Club also took in Clyde Helmer, one of the best half-forwards in the last decade. As a youngster from Rushworth, he had starred first in the Goulburn Valley League, then at Geelong, encouraged by his cousin, Fred Hawking, who played 102 games there. On leave during the war, Helmer had scouts clambering for his services, and Melbourne won, securing him for two games in 1942. Sadly, he was killed in April 1945, another of a long parade of VFL identities who would never play the game again.

As Melbourne recovered post-war to come back to the MCG in 1946 and play the game - having been in exile at Punt Road while the larger ground was used as a personnel depot and transit camp for American Marines and RAAF personnel - so the Club had regrouped after World War One. Then, after a recess of three seasons, there were 28 new players in the team of 43. These included Gallipoli veteran Ivor Warne-Smith, who went on to win two Brownlow Medals, then served in World War Two at the age of 43, as well as Albert Chadwick, who learned to play the game wearing his army boots, and George Haines, an AIF veteran who changed his name from 'Heinz' to overcome anti-German sentiment.

They, as in a future generation, were walking in the footsteps of those who had been lost in conflict. World War One was called 'the war to end all wars', but was merely the beginning. In this beginning, they joined up eagerly, including the recently retired Melbourne defender, Arthur Mueller 'Joe' Pearce, who enlisted on 17 August 1914, aged 29, and whose words at a farewell dinner resonate even today. I think I ought to go, and if I don't come back, well, it won't much matter?. Corporal Pearce was killed at the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, one of the first of the Anzacs. His hometown newspaper 'the Bendigo Advertiser ' lauded him in his contribution to sport and life. The call of his country was readily responded to by Corporal Pearce.He was one of the most popular players in the metropolis. Pearce's cousin - Jack Mueller - would himself forge a legendary status wearing Melbourne colours in coming decades.

At the other end of the war, in the shadow of the Armistice and with the world holding its breath for peace, Clifford Burge fell at Villers-Bretonneux in France on 14 August 1918. He hadn't needed to be there, as he was recovering from being gassed, but in typical fashion had volunteered his way to the thick of the conflict. Burge had enlisted in February 1915, after just five games with the Demons, all played in 1914. He had been recognised for the promising start to his career, with the Sport newspaper of 1 May 1914 stating 'Burge, a big fellow from Elsternwick, did well in Melbourne's ruck last Saturday. His first appearance was very satisfactory.'

But no more. Nearly 100 years later the players of the Melbourne Football Club stand in the sunshine outside the Shrine, surrounded by tourists and traffic. They have forged a link with those whose service created this place. It is real. We will remember them.

Melbourne Football Club past and present players lost in war (from research as at April 2009)

World War One

Clifford Burge, Jack Doubleday, Frank Lugton, James Mackie, Fen McDonald,

Arthur 'Joe' Pearce, Percy Rodriguez, Alf Williamson, Tom 'Alick' Ogilvie

World War Two

Sid Anderson, Jack Atkins, Harold Ball, Ron Barassi Senior, Noel Ellis, Clyde Helmer,

Keith 'Bluey' Truscott, Derek Mollison, Ted Regan, Archie Roberts, Beres Reilly, Percy Wood.

Edited January 28, 2015 by DeeVoted

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,750]

Fabulous stuff, DeeVoted. Certainly makes you think how lucky we are today.

Sometimes we like to say, 'Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.' And it's a fun quote. But sometimes it's better to reflect on what's really important.

[DeeVoted 583]

No5 of 12:

1941 Grand Final Results Saturday, 27th September , M.C.G

MELBOURNE 6.6 11.9 14.11 19.13 (127)

ESSENDON 1.1 2.6 6.12 13.20 (98)

Umpire: Eric Hawkins

Attendance 79,687

MELBOURNE

B: R. Emselle, J. McGrath, D. Cordner

HB: C. McLean, E. Cordner, W. Lock

C: S. Anderson, A. La Fontaine (Capt), S. Heal

HF: M. Gibb, R. Baggott, R. Wartman

F: J. O'Keefe, N. Smith, G. Daly

RUCK: J. Mueller, A. Dullard, P. Beames

RES: W. Lewis

Goals: Beames 6, Mueller 3, Smith 3, Wartman 2, Anderson,

Daly, Dullard, Gibb, O;Keefe.

Best: Beames, Lock, Heal, Mueller, Dullard, La Fontaine.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

ESSENDON

B: E. Plummer, C. Ruddell, F. Green

HB: R. Flanigan, W. Butterworth, A. Hird

C: E. Coward, H. Lambert, J. Caesar

HF: G. Lane, L. Griggs, M. Exelby

F: J. Cassin, T. Reynolds, E. Bryce

RUCK: H. Torney, G. Abbott, R. Reynolds (Capt)

RES: G. Regan

Goals: T. Reynolds 3, R. Reynolds 2, Bryce 2, Abbott,

Lane, Regan, Cassin, Exelby, Torney

Best: Coward, Buttsworth, R.Reynolds, Lambert, Abbott.

COACH - R. Reynolds

THE 1941 season was an even one, partly because some players were available only between military service. Melbourne finished second on the ladder, behind Carlton on percentage and ahead of Richmond on percentage. With Essendon fourth just one game behind this trio, it was anyone's guess who would win the flag - except that the Redlegs had tremendous finals experience.

Then, when Melbourne defeated Carlton by 27 points in the second semi-final, punters found a flag favorite. Essendon defeated Carlton by 25 points in the preliminary final, so it was to be a Melbourne-Essendon grand final, with the Redlegs severely undermanned because of World War II duties.

Essendon virtually was at full strength and no one expected the Redlegs to dominate the first quarter so easily. With control of the ruck, Melbourne raced to a 35-point lead and the premiership was as good as in its hands. Then, at half-time Melbourne led by a massive 57 points - an impossible target for the Dons. The Dons rallied briefly in the third quarter and, with Gordon "Whoppa" Lane dominant close to goal, there was some slight hope of Essendon making a game of it.

However, Melbourne hit back late in the quarter through goals by Jack O'Keefe and Gerry Daly to leave Essendon chasing a 47-point three-quarter time deficit. Essendon gallantly fought the issue to the bitter end and, inspired by captain-coach Dick Reynolds, kicked seven goals in the final quarter. The final margin was 29 points in Melbourne's favour, a remarkable achievement considering so many experienced players were missing. It was the club's third consecutive flag and arguably the proudest.

[DeeVoted 583]

The first ever Drawn Grand final. We only stayed in the game, due to Essendon's shocking kicking for goal.

* DRAWN * 1948 Grand Final Results Saturday, 2nd October ,M.C.G

ESSENDON 0.6 2.15 6.21 7.27 (69)

MELBOURNE 3.2 4.5 6.8 10.9 (69)

Umpire: J. McMurray

Attendance: 85,658

ESSENDON

B: C. Lambert, C. Ruddell, P. Bushby

HB: H. Lambert, W. Buttsworth, N. McDonald

C: R. Bradley, A. Harper, G. Hassell

HF: R. Reynolds (Capt), E. Leehane, J. Jones

F: R. Syme, W. Brittingham, K. Rawie

RUCK: R. McClure, D. Bigelow, W. Hutchinson

RES: W. May, V. Fisher

Goals: Hutchinson 2, Brittingham 2, Rawie, Bigelow, Bradley.

Best: R. Reynolds, McClure, McDonald, H.Lambert, C. Lambert, Leehane

COACH - R. Reynolds

MELBOURNE

B: W. Deans, J. McGrath, S. Rule

HB: C. McLean, Denis Cordner, G. Collins

C: M. Spittle, G. Bickford, L. Dockett

HF: D. Heywood, L. Arnold, N. McMahen

F: J. Mueller, N. Smith, E. Craddock

RUCK: Don Cordner (Capt), A. Dullard, A. Rodda

RES: G. Bowman, E. Jackson

Goals: Mueller 6, Smith, Craddock, Arnold, Dullard

Best: Rodda, Smith, Collins, Mueller, Bickford.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

MELBOURNE made the 1946 grand final, only to be thrashed (63 points) by Essendon and had to wait two years to avenge that defeat, in extraordinary circumstances. Essendon topped the 1948 ladder from Melbourne by a whopping 10 match points and, naturally, very few fans would deny the Dons flag favoritism, with Collingwood and Footscray making up the final four. Then, when Essendon defeated Melbourne by 36 points in the second semi-final, the Dons were almost unbackable to land the flag.

Melbourne reached the grand final in style, humiliating Collingwood by 65 points in the preliminary final. Critics rated Melbourne's performance as the best by any side that season and the football public now anticipated the Demons would at least give Essendon a run for its money.

Key Melbourne forwards Jack Mueller and Norm Smith showed devastating form against the Magpies and if they again could get among the goals the Demons could upset the Dons. The Demons shocked the football world by naming amateur champion Denis Cordner at centre halfback for only his second game - five years after his debut.

The first quarter was even, but poor kicking for goal by Essendon gave the Demons a 12-point lead. Then, in the second quarter, Essendon strayed even more off-line, with just two goals and nine behinds. And that was the way it continued, with the Dons kicking themselves out of a premiership. They finally kicked 7.27 to Melbourne's far more accurate 10.9. Smith had two chances to break the deadlock in the final minutes but missed both opportunities and the match ended in a draw - the first in a grand final. Although Essendon retained favoritism for the replay, it lost Wally Buttsworth and Harold Lambert to injuries and, besides, conditions turned nasty.

[DeeVoted 583]

No 6 of 12 :

* REPLAY * 1948 Grand Final Results Saturday, 9th October , M.C.G

MELBOURNE 6.2 9.3 11.8 13.11 (89)

ESSENDON 0.3 5.5 6.6 7.8 (50)

Umpire: McMurray

Attendance 52,226

MELBOURNE

B: W. Deans, J. McGrath, S. Rule

HB: C. McLean, Denis Cordner, G. Collins

C: M. Spittle, G. Bickford, L. Dockett

HF: R. McKenzie, L. Arnold, N. McMahen

F: J. Mueller, N. Smith, E. Craddock

RUCK: Don Cordner (Capt), A. Dullard, A. Rodda

RES: G. Bowman, E. Jackson

Goals: Mueller 6, Arnold 2, Rodda 2, Smith, Dullard, McMahen.

Best: Mueller, Smith, McGrath, Spittle, Bickford, Arnold.

COACH - Frank 'Checker' Hughes

ESSENDON

B: C. Lambert, C. Ruddell, R. McClure

HB: L. Gardiner, W. May, N. McDonald

C: R. Bradley, A. Harper, G. Hassell

HF: J. Jones, E. Leehane, R. Reynolds (Capt)

F: H. Equid, W. Brittingham, K. Rawle

RUCK: P. Bushby, R. Syme, W. Hutchinson

RES: V. Fisher, R. McEwen

Goals: Brittingham 2, Syme 2, R. Reynolds, Hutchinson, Jones.

Best: McDonald, McClure, Bushby, Syme, Hassell, C. Lambert.

COACH - R. Reynolds

Melbourne handled the heavy conditions far better than Essendon and opened a 35-point break by quarter-time. Essendon could not claw its way back into the match, especially as veteran Mueller, brought back from the reserves for the finals, was at his best with six grand final goals. Melbourne won by 39 points.

[DeeVoted 583]

We now enter into the most successful era of the clubs history. 'Checker' Hughes laid the foundations. The "Mighty' Demons has a nice ring to it. But in the mid to late 50's it was the "ALMIGHTY" Demons. Up until now 6 flags in approx 50 yrs of VFL.

Enter Norm Smith as coach.

[DeeVoted 583]

No 7 of 12 :

1955 Grand Final Results Saturday, 17th September , M.C.G

MELBOURNE 2.3 3.10 4.13 8.16 (64)

COLLINGWOOD 2.2 2.5 4.6 5.6 (36)

Umpire: Beitzel

Attendance: 88,053

MELBOURNE

B: J. Beckwith, P. Marquis, Trevor Johnson

HB: D. Williams, G.McGivern, N. McMahen (Capt.)

C: I. McLean, K. Melville, G. Case

HF: L. Mithen, C. Laidlaw, R. McKenzie

F: R. Johnson, N. Clarke, I. Ridley

FOLL.: Denis Cordner, R.D. Barassi, S. Spencer

RES: T. Gleeson, F. Adams

Goals: Clarke 3, Ridley 3, Laidlaw, R. McKenzie.

Best: Denis Cordner, Collins, Barassi, Mithen, McLean, Albiston.

COACH - Norm Smith

COLLINGWOOD

B: L.Sharp, J. Hamilton, N. Walker

HB: P. Lucas, F. Tuck, R. Kingston

C: D. Healey, J. Parker, T. Merrett

HF: B. Jones, K. Smale, M. Weideman

F: M. Twomey, K. Batchelor, B. Rose

FOLL.: N. Mann (Capt), A. Gooch, R. Richards

RES: J. Hickey, R. Kupsch

Goals: M Weideman 2, W Jones 1, B Rose 1, K Smale 1

Best: n/a

COACH - Phonse Kyne

The glorious Demon era of the '50s really started in 1954 when Footscray defeated a young Melbourne side in the grand final. It was the perfect grooming for future success under legendary coach Norm Smith, a master tactician who ruled with absolute discipline.

Smith guided his young team to top position on the ladder in 1955, one game clear of Collingwood, with Geelong and Essendon making up the final four. Almost every football fan expected a Melbourne-Collingwood grand final and were delighted when these two teams slugged it out in wet conditions in the second semi-final.

Melbourne defeated the Magpies by 11 points in a dour struggle to march straight into the grand final, while Collingwood had to struggle to defeat a gallant Geelong by 12 points in the preliminary final. Football fans got their wish, with the two best teams in the competition set to play off. The MCG was still wet for the grand final and, as expected, there were plenty of physical encounters.

Melbourne's Noel McMahen shirtfronted Collingwood star Bob Rose early and this set the tempo for the match, with the Demons willing to crash through packs and risk life and limb for the cause. The tactics were only partly successful as the Demons led by just one point at the first break after dominating for long periods. Melbourne grabbed they believed was a winning break halfway through the third quarter, only for Rose and Ken Smale to reply to leave the Demons' three-quarter time margin at just seven points.

Collingwood crept to within a point of Melbourne early in the final quarter, with Melbourne steadying with four goals. Then, in the dying minutes, Melbourne reserve Frank "Bluey" Adams was so excited at taking the field that he accidentally collided with Collingwood winger Des Healey. The Magpie was knocked unconscious in one of the most sensational incidents in grand final history. However, it made no difference to the result, with Melbourne defeating Collingwood by 28 points.

[DeeVoted 583]

No 8 of 12:

1956 Grand Final Results Saturday, 15th September ,M.C.G

MELBOURNE 2.4 6.11 10.16 17.19 (121)

COLLINGWOOD 3.3 4.3 5.6 6.12 (48)

Umpire: Nash

Attendance: 115,802

MELBOURNE

B: J. Beckwith, P. Marquis, Trevor Johnson

HB: D. Williams, N. McMahen (Capt.), K. Carroll

C: F. Adams, K. Melville, B. Dixon

HF: J. Sandral, C. Laidlaw, L. Mithen

F: R. Johnson, A. Webb, I. Ridley

R: Denis Cordner, R.D. Barassi, S.Spencer

RES: T. Gleeson, R. Lane

Goals: Spencer 5, Webb 5, Barassi 3, R. Johnson 3, Ridley.

Best: Spencer, Barassi, Adams, Denis Cordner, Beckwith, Melville.

COACH - Norm Smith

COLLINGWOOD

B: Sharp, Sullivan, Waller

HB: Lucas, Tuck, Kingston

C: Hedt, W. Twomey, Merrett

HF: Turner, Weideman, Serong

F: Mann (Capt.), Smale, Greve

R: Gabelich, Rymer, Jones

Res.: Hamilton, Kupsch

Goals: Greve, Jones, Serong, Smale, Turner, W.Twomey

Best: Tuck, Serong, Jones, Mann, Weideman, Waller.

COACH - Phonse Kyne

Melbourne was the power team of the '50s and it was no surprise to see the Demons finish the 1956 season on top of the ladder. The Demons finished three games clear of Collingwood, with Geelong and Footscray making up the final four. Significantly, the Demons were defeated only twice during the season - by Footscray at the MCG in Round 14 and by Geelong by two points at Kardinia Park in Round 16.

Naturally, the Demons were almost unbackable for the flag. The Demons, however, had a struggle in defeating Collingwood by 16 points in the 2nd Semi final, with the Magpies even leading by a point at the final change. Then, in the preliminary final, Collingwood defeated Footscray by 39 points to win another crack at the Demons.

It was to be a second consecutive Melbourne-Collingwood grand final, and little wonder there was a record attendance of 115,802 at the MCG. Collingwood, desperate to avenge the previous year's grand final defeat, started brilliantly with a goal to Bill Serong in the opening minutes. Melbourne eventually settled, but Collingwood looked the better side over the first quarter and led by five points at the first break. However, the Demons took control in the second quarter through the hard work of Denis Cordner in the ruck and the brilliant ground play of utility Laurie Mithen.

Melbourne by 20 points at half time. Melbourne dominated the second half and, in fact, had the premiership in its keeping with a 40-point lead at the final break. Collingwood just could not handle the pace of the Melbourne small men, particularly Stuart Spencer and Frank Adams. With Athol Webb kicking three quick goals for Melbourne in the final quarter, Collingwood found it impossible to get back into the match. The Demons by a mammoth 73 points after kicking 11 goals to just two over the second half.