Grand Final History

Episode 45 1941 A Greater Job Than Football

A world in turmoil, a world at war and some want to play football on Sundays, undermining the nation’s spiritual and moral foundations and risking national destruction, there was a lot going on in 1941. Melbourne were aiming for their third premiership in a row while others wondered if football should be played at all. The VFA were stealing star players while others were in military camps, unsure how many games they would play and some were paying the ultimate price.

Episode 44 1940 The Greatest Shirtfront Ever

The greatest shirtfront ever delivered occurred in possibly the toughest season ever, with more players reported in 1940 than ever before. The drama and shocks on the field were matched by the turmoil and challenges off the field as the VFA looked to recruit the biggest stars of the day and many players made the biggest decisions of their lives to enlist in the armed services. St Kilda won their first premiership (The Patriotic Premiership with a Flag and a Cup) while Jack Dyer and Norm Smith clashed on the MCG.
Tune in for an insightful look at how the year 1940 was a pivotal turning point for Australian football, shaping the future of the game both on and off the field.

Episode 43 1939 My Melancholy Duty

Welcome to 'Grand Final History,' where we delve into the tumultuous events of 1939, the 43rd season of the VFL, amid a backdrop of global and local crises. Experience how devastating bushfires scorched Victoria, culminating in the infamous Black Friday, and how the VFL played a role in providing solace through sport.Join us as we navigate through a year marked by political upheaval, with the death of Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and global tensions mounting towards World War II. Discover how the VFL operated amidst recruiting battles with the VFA and changes to game rules aimed at enhancing the pace and spectacle of Australian football.Witness the shifting dynamics of the VFL clubs, with Collingwood's dominance under scrutiny and Melbourne's eventual triumph. Relive the dramatic moments of the finals, set against the backdrop of cinematic breakthroughs and innovations like the twist tie. This episode captures a pivotal moment in football history, reflective of a world on the brink of war.

Episode 42 1938 Throwing the Ball

The VFL was “The rebellious child of the Association” and it could not dictate how football was going to be played in 1938. There was a split in Australian Football, the Association were changing the rules, allowing throwing the ball and more as they looked to attract more spectators to their games, so “Who cares what the League thinks” was their motto. 1938 was a dramatic year on and off the field, bribery attempts by gambling cartels, new teams in the finals and doping to help win a grand final. All this and more in the latest episode of Grand Final History.

Episode 41 1937 The Greatest Game of All

The greatest game of all they called it: The 1937 Grand Final between Collingwood and Geelong. The year saw a King’s coronation, with a North Melbourne player representing the VFL in London and Fitzroy became the Gorillas! Finals prices increased, never popular, yet a record crowd was a the Grand Final. It was the Magpies chance for a premiership hat trick and to send Gordon Coventry off in style or Geelong’s opportunity to give Reg Hickey a premiership in his second stint as captain coach. Meanwhile, trouble was brewing with the VFA.

Episode 40A Supplementary Episode The Fourth Decade of the VFL (1927-1936)

Welcome to Grand Final History. In this special supplementary episode, we review the fourth decade of the VFL, from 1927 to 1936. We explore the trends, issues, significant incidents, and quirks over the ten years.
New rules, night football, new finals system, new club mascots, goal kicking master classes and the dominant Magpie Machine, the Fourth Decade of the VFL provided a welcome relief for supporters struggling through the Great Depression. This special, supplementary episode provides an overview of the Fourth Decade of VFL football. The teams that did well, the teams that struggled, the players that made a name for themselves and how the League started to flex its economic and political muscle as the game continued to grow in popularity.

Episode 40 1936 Never on a Sunday

Abdications, invasions, Olympics and Grand Finals but some people in 1936 were more worried about all night trams and football being played on a Sunday. It was the VFL’s 40th Season with Richmond’s Punt Rd home ground the centre of an extraordinary dispute that might bankrupt every club and the league. One of the most infamous tribunal hearings will result in a champion missing a Grand Final and decades of fake news. One club takes on a new nickname as part of their rise to success. Another big season in the VFL.
Join us as we recount the dramatic and eventful year of 1936 in VFL history, a year that shaped the future of Australian football and reflected the broader societal changes of the time.

Episode 39 1935 Watch Out For That Truck

Collingwood and South Melbourne play each other seven times, but only one can win the 1935 VFL premiership. It was a year that saw the first night game between VFL clubs and beer came in cans for the first time, two pivotal moments in history. Footscray made their bid for worst jumper of all time and the Magpies almost forfeited a game. North Melbourne and Hawthorn struggled while the league promised to help Rugby Union. Meanwhile Richmond was looking for alternatives to Punt Road for a home ground. And a truck played its part in Grand Final History.
Join us as we delve into the captivating history of 1935, where football, innovation, and world events intertwined to shape a memorable year.

Episode 38 1934 The First Centenary Premiership

In this gripping episode of "Grand Final History", we transport you back in time to relive the highs and lows of the 1934 Victorian Football League (VFL) season. This episode encompasses Melbourne's Centenary year, the effects of economic depression, global political turbulence, and local events as experienced by the average supporter
We examine the game-changing evolution of how football was played, from new rules to record breaking performances. 
This episode captures the essence of the hard-fought season, marked by controversies, dramatic brawls, and exceptional skill demonstrations. Get insider details of the tensions and concerns plaguing the league then, from club financial difficulties to fears of a sport collapse.
We revisit sensational moments like Bob Pratt's legendary 15-goal game, South Melbourne's stunning victory over Collingwood, and the remarkable performance by Laurie Nash. Relive the rollercoaster final matches, leading up to the historic grand final showdown between Richmond and South Melbourne.
In this historical analysis, we expose the unseen drama off the field, from bribery allegations to internal physical clashes, and their impact on the sport. We bring forth tales of bravery, grit, and unyielding spirit, showcased by legendary players, which continue to inspire fans decades later.
Don't miss out on this journey back in time that uncovers the riveting story of the 1934 football season; its thrills and spills, victories and heartbreaks, and every defining moment that shaped this golden era of Australian football.

Episode 37 1933 Every Club Needs a Mascot

It was the year a cartoonist bestowed a mascot onto a VFL club, it was the year Australian Rules and Rugby League tried to invent Universal Football and it was the year St Kilda and North had a game that they both recall very differently. The VFL experimented with a new pricing model for finals, the crowds might have been lower but the league considered it a success. Has the League ever regretted a price rise?