1984 VFL Grand Final
Encyclopedia
The 1984 VFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football
game contested between the Essendon Football Club
and Hawthorn Football Club
, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
in Melbourne
on 29 September 1984. It was the 88th annual Grand Final
of the Victorian Football League
, staged to determine the premiers for the 1984 VFL season
. The match, attended by 92,685 spectators, was won by Essendon by a margin of 24 points, marking that club's 13th premiership victory.
in which Hawthorn defeated Essendon by a then record 83 points. Essendon topped the home and away season ladder—a game clear of their Grand Final opponents; however, Hawthorn won both home and away contests between the two teams. Despite winning 12 previous grand finals, Essendon came into the match without a premiership since their 1965
victory over St Kilda, who were coached by current Hawthorn coach Allan Jeans
.
In the finals series leading up to the Grand Final, the Hawks defeated Carlton
by 30 points in the Qualifying Final before meeting the Bombers in the Second Semi-Final, which Hawthorn won by 8 points to advance to the Grand Final. After their loss in the Second Semi-Final, the Bombers obliterated Collingwood
in the Preliminary Final by 133 points on the back of a 28 goal performance to advance to the Grand Final.
got one back for Essendon but Hawthorn continued to apply scoreboard pressure and 11 minutes into the second quarter they extend their lead to 33 points. Essendon, despite getting more possession, made little impact in front of goals but a goal, the Bombers' second for the match through the agency of Billy Duckworth
, put them within 25 points at the half time break.
The third quarter was a low scoring affair, more notable for the changes to file positions that Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy applied in an attempt to stem the flow of Hawthorn goals. While common today, at the time it was very unusual for a coach to make such radical changes as shifting backline players to the forward line and vice-versa. Paul Weston
was shifted from defence to centre half forward, captain Terry Daniher
was moved to defence, while another defender, Peter Bradbury
, was moved to half-forward. With these positional changes, Essendon managed to get within three goals of the lead, but Dermott Brereton
kicked a late one for Hawthorn to give them a 23 point lead going into the final term.
Baker goaled for Essendon in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter from a scintillating blind turn, giving the Bombers the early momentum, and minutes later Bradbury kicked a goal from the back of a pack. Essendon's charge continued when the ball made its way to Duckworth at half forward who passed it to an unmanned Mark Thompson who put it through, 40 metres out and directly in front. The Bombers won the ball from the following centre bounce and Darren Williams
kicked towards the right half forward flank where it bounced favourably for Baker who evaded Hawks defender David O'Halloran
to goal and give Essendon the lead eight minutes into the quarter.
Hawthorn were back in front when Peter Curran
goaled from a 15 metre penalty but Essendon soon regained their advantage when Roger Merrett
took a pack mark in the goal square before converting. Weston extended Essendon's lead to 11 points minutes later and then Tim Watson
goaled twice to seal the comeback win for Essendon. The Bombers kicked 9.6 in the final term to break free from the Hawks. It would not be until 2009
that another team would win the Grand Final from a three-quarter time deficit.
The Norm Smith Medal
was awarded to Duckworth for being judged the best player afield. Watson, Baker, Harvey, Heard and Clarke were also prominent for the Bombers, while Loveridge, Ayres, Schwab, Wallace and Mew were the best for Hawthorn.
Essendon's win ended a 17-year streak during which only Hawthorn, Richmond
, Carlton
and North Melbourne
had won the premiership.
The attendance of 92,685 was the smallest at an MCG Grand Final for 29 years. Space for 44,000 MCC
and VFL Park members was taken by only 31,000. The breezy and cool conditions in the wake of a heavy overnight hailstorm was seen to discourage many spectators from attending.
Ten players from this game later went on to become senior VFL/AFL coaches.
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
game contested between the Essendon Football Club
Essendon Football Club
The Essendon Football Club, nicknamed The Bombers, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
and Hawthorn Football Club
Hawthorn Football Club
The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys...
, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is an Australian sports stadium located in Yarra Park, Melbourne and is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club. It is the tenth largest stadium in the world, the largest in Australia, the largest stadium for playing cricket, and holds the world record for the highest light...
in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
on 29 September 1984. It was the 88th annual Grand Final
AFL Grand Final
The AFL Grand Final is an annual Australian rules football match, traditionally held on the final Saturday in September at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia to determine the Australian Football League premiership champions for that year...
of the Victorian Football League
Australian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
, staged to determine the premiers for the 1984 VFL season
1984 VFL season
Results and statistics for the Victorian Football League season of 1984.-Awards:* The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Peter Moore of Melbourne.* The Coleman Medal was awarded to Bernie Quinlan of Fitzroy....
. The match, attended by 92,685 spectators, was won by Essendon by a margin of 24 points, marking that club's 13th premiership victory.
Background
It was a Grand Final rematch of the previous season's Grand Final1983 VFL Grand Final
The 1983 VFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between the Hawthorn Football Club and Essendon Football Club, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on 24 September 1983. It was the 87th annual Grand Final of the Victorian Football League, staged to determine...
in which Hawthorn defeated Essendon by a then record 83 points. Essendon topped the home and away season ladder—a game clear of their Grand Final opponents; however, Hawthorn won both home and away contests between the two teams. Despite winning 12 previous grand finals, Essendon came into the match without a premiership since their 1965
1965 VFL Grand Final
The 1965 VFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between the Essendon Football Club and St Kilda Football Club, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne on 25 September 1965. It was the 69th annual Grand Final of the Victorian Football League, staged to determine...
victory over St Kilda, who were coached by current Hawthorn coach Allan Jeans
Allan Jeans
Allan Jeans was an Australian rules footballer and coach. He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame at its inception in 1996...
.
In the finals series leading up to the Grand Final, the Hawks defeated Carlton
Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club competes in the Australian Football League, and was one of the eight founding members of that competition in 1897...
by 30 points in the Qualifying Final before meeting the Bombers in the Second Semi-Final, which Hawthorn won by 8 points to advance to the Grand Final. After their loss in the Second Semi-Final, the Bombers obliterated Collingwood
Collingwood Football Club
The Collingwood Football Club, nicknamed The Magpies, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League...
in the Preliminary Final by 133 points on the back of a 28 goal performance to advance to the Grand Final.
Match summary
Hawthorn dominated the game early and kicked the first four goals on an unseasonably cool day. Leon BakerLeon Baker
Leon Baker is a former Australian rules football player who played for the Essendon Football Club in the AFL and Swan Districts Football Club in the WAFL throughout the 1980s....
got one back for Essendon but Hawthorn continued to apply scoreboard pressure and 11 minutes into the second quarter they extend their lead to 33 points. Essendon, despite getting more possession, made little impact in front of goals but a goal, the Bombers' second for the match through the agency of Billy Duckworth
Billy Duckworth
Bill Duckworth is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the VFL. He is best known for winning the 1984 Norm Smith Medal. His brother John also played league football....
, put them within 25 points at the half time break.
The third quarter was a low scoring affair, more notable for the changes to file positions that Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy applied in an attempt to stem the flow of Hawthorn goals. While common today, at the time it was very unusual for a coach to make such radical changes as shifting backline players to the forward line and vice-versa. Paul Weston
Paul Weston (footballer)
Paul Weston is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the VFL.Weston started his career at Glenelg and was with them until he got a clearance to Essendon at the age of 26. A key defender, Weston won premierships with Essendon in his final two seasons...
was shifted from defence to centre half forward, captain Terry Daniher
Terry Daniher
Terrence "Terry" John Daniher is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the South Melbourne and Essendon Football Clubs in the Australian Football League . Terry was also an Assistant Coach to the Essendon, Collingwood, St Kilda and Carlton Football Clubs. Terry's brothers, Neale,...
was moved to defence, while another defender, Peter Bradbury
Peter Bradbury
Peter Bradbury is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon and Collingwood in the VFL during the 1980s.A half back flanker, Bradbury was a premiership player at Essendon in 1984...
, was moved to half-forward. With these positional changes, Essendon managed to get within three goals of the lead, but Dermott Brereton
Dermott Brereton
Dermott Hugh Brereton is a former Australian rules football player in the Australian Football League, regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. Of Irish descent , he is known for his aggressive style of play. Brereton kicked 464 goals and played in five Premierships for during...
kicked a late one for Hawthorn to give them a 23 point lead going into the final term.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon Essendon Football Club The Essendon Football Club, nicknamed The Bombers, is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League... |
2.4 (16) | 3.11 (29) | 5.15 (45) | 14.21 (105) |
| Hawthorn Hawthorn Football Club The Hawthorn Football Club, nicknamed the Hawks, is a professional Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League . The club, founded in 1902, is the youngest of the Victorian-based teams in the AFL. The team play in Brown & Gold vertically striped guernseys... |
6.1 (37) | 8.6 (54) | 10.8 (68) | 12.9 (81) |
Baker goaled for Essendon in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter from a scintillating blind turn, giving the Bombers the early momentum, and minutes later Bradbury kicked a goal from the back of a pack. Essendon's charge continued when the ball made its way to Duckworth at half forward who passed it to an unmanned Mark Thompson who put it through, 40 metres out and directly in front. The Bombers won the ball from the following centre bounce and Darren Williams
Darren Williams (Australian rules footballer)
Darren Williams is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the VFL during the 1980s.After winning a Morrish Medal for his performance for Essendon in the under-19s, he made his senior debut in 1979. At the season's end he went to Western Australia where he played with East...
kicked towards the right half forward flank where it bounced favourably for Baker who evaded Hawks defender David O'Halloran
David O'Halloran
David O'Halloran is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Hawthorn in the VFL.O'Halloran played in various defensive position during his career and was a premiership player with Hawthorn in his debut season...
to goal and give Essendon the lead eight minutes into the quarter.
Hawthorn were back in front when Peter Curran
Peter Curran (footballer)
Peter Curran is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Hawthorn and the Brisbane Bears in the VFL/AFL.A courageous strong-marking forward, Curran played an important part in the most successful era in Hawthorn's history, the 1980s...
goaled from a 15 metre penalty but Essendon soon regained their advantage when Roger Merrett
Roger Merrett
Roger Merrett is a former Australian rules footballer who played in two Victorian Football League premiership sides with the Essendon Football Club in the mid-1980s before moving to the fledging Brisbane Bears, later captaining the new club for seven seasons...
took a pack mark in the goal square before converting. Weston extended Essendon's lead to 11 points minutes later and then Tim Watson
Tim Watson
Timothy Michael "Tim" Watson is a former Australian rules footballer and coach, sports journalist and media personality.He is notable for his long career at the Essendon Football Club as a player where he participated in several premiership teams...
goaled twice to seal the comeback win for Essendon. The Bombers kicked 9.6 in the final term to break free from the Hawks. It would not be until 2009
2009 AFL Grand Final
The 2009 AFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between the St Kilda Football Club and the Geelong Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 September 2009...
that another team would win the Grand Final from a three-quarter time deficit.
The Norm Smith Medal
Norm Smith Medal
The Norm Smith Medal is the award given in the AFL Grand Final to the player adjudged by an independent panel of experts to have been the best player in the match.-History:The Norm Smith Medal is named after former Melbourne player and coach, Norm Smith...
was awarded to Duckworth for being judged the best player afield. Watson, Baker, Harvey, Heard and Clarke were also prominent for the Bombers, while Loveridge, Ayres, Schwab, Wallace and Mew were the best for Hawthorn.
Essendon's win ended a 17-year streak during which only Hawthorn, Richmond
Richmond Football Club
The Richmond Football Club, nicknamed The Tigers, is an Australian rules football club which competes in the Australian Football League. Richmond shares healthy rivalries with Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon. After winning five premierships between 1967 and 1980, the club hit the depths in 1990,...
, Carlton
Carlton Football Club
The Carlton Football Club is a professional Australian rules football club based in Melbourne, Victoria. The club competes in the Australian Football League, and was one of the eight founding members of that competition in 1897...
and North Melbourne
North Melbourne Football Club
The North Melbourne Football Club, nicknamed The Kangaroos, is the fourth oldest Australian rules football club in the Australian Football League and is one of the oldest sporting clubs in Australia and the world...
had won the premiership.
The attendance of 92,685 was the smallest at an MCG Grand Final for 29 years. Space for 44,000 MCC
Melbourne Cricket Club
The Melbourne Cricket Club is a sporting club based in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded in 1838 and is regarded as the oldest sporting club in Australia....
and VFL Park members was taken by only 31,000. The breezy and cool conditions in the wake of a heavy overnight hailstorm was seen to discourage many spectators from attending.
Ten players from this game later went on to become senior VFL/AFL coaches.
Teams
Goalkickers
Essendon
|
Hawthorn
|
See also
- 1984 VFL season1984 VFL seasonResults and statistics for the Victorian Football League season of 1984.-Awards:* The Brownlow Medal was awarded to Peter Moore of Melbourne.* The Coleman Medal was awarded to Bernie Quinlan of Fitzroy....