1925 VFL Grand Final — Cats’ First-Ever Flag

The 1925 VFL Grand Final saw Geelong defeat Collingwood 10.19 (79) to 9.13 (67) at the MCG — a 12-point margin that delivered the Cats their first VFL flag. Played on 17 October 1925 in front of 65,000 fans, Geelong’s premiership was their first.

The Build-Up: Cats’ First Flag

Geelong, founded in 1859 and in the VFL since 1897, had never won a flag in 28 years. The 1925 home-and-away campaign was strong.

Collingwood had reached the Grand Final after years of finals contention. The Magpie Machine era was building.

The Match: Cats’ Coronation

Both teams attacked. The lead changed multiple times. Geelong’s depth held in the closing minutes. The Cats’ 19 behinds tells a story of inaccuracy but it was enough.

Final score: Geelong 10.19 (79) defeated Collingwood 9.13 (67) — a 12-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Cats’ contributions.
• The 12-point Cats margin.
• Geelong’s 19 behinds.
• The crowd of 65,000.
• Geelong’s first VFL flag.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Cats’ supporter celebrations — 28-year drought-breaker.
• Collingwood’s resistance.
• The Magpie Machine awaiting.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 17 October 1925, MCG.
• Final: Geelong 10.19 (79) defeated Collingwood 9.13 (67).
• Margin: 12 points.
• Crowd: 65,000.
• Geelong’s 1st VFL premiership.
• Cats had been founded in 1859 — 66-year wait.
• VFL membership since 1897 — 28-year drought-breaker.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1925 win launched Cats’ premiership history.
• The 1931 follow-up came 6 years later.

The Verdict

The 1925 VFL Grand Final delivered Geelong their first VFL flag. Long live the 1925 Cats.