1933 VFL Grand Final — South Melbourne’s Last Flag

The 1933 VFL Grand Final saw South Melbourne defeat Richmond 9.17 (71) to 4.5 (29) at the MCG — a 42-point margin that delivered the Bloods their last flag under the South Melbourne name. Played on 7 October 1933 in front of 75,754 fans, South Melbourne’s premiership was their 3rd. The club would later relocate to Sydney in 1982 — the modern Sydney Swans inherited this lineage. The Bloods’ next flag would come in 2005 (Sydney Swans).

The Build-Up: Bloods’ Last Flag Under South Melbourne

South Melbourne had built a competitive squad. Bob Pratt was the spearhead (the legendary forward). The 1933 home-and-away campaign was strong.

Richmond had reached the Grand Final but the Tigers’ resistance was insufficient.

The Match: Bloods’ Coronation

South Melbourne led from first bounce. Multiple Bloods contributed; Richmond’s 4.5 is one of the lowest scores by any losing Grand Finalist.

Final score: South Melbourne 9.17 (71) defeated Richmond 4.5 (29) — a 42-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Bloods’ contributions.
• Bob Pratt’s class.
• The 42-point Bloods margin.
• Richmond’s 4 goals — among the lowest by a losing Grand Finalist.
• The crowd of 75,754.
• Bloods’ supporter celebrations.
• The last South Melbourne flag — relocation came in 1982.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1934 Pratt 150-goal season awaiting.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 7 October 1933, MCG.
• Final: South Melbourne 9.17 (71) defeated Richmond 4.5 (29).
• Margin: 42 points.
• Crowd: 75,754.
• South Melbourne’s 3rd VFL premiership.
• The Bloods’ last flag under South Melbourne name — relocation to Sydney in 1982.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Bob Pratt was the spearhead.
• Richmond’s 4 goals were among the lowest by any losing Grand Finalist.
• The next Bloods flag came in 2005 as Sydney Swans (a 72-year drought).

The Verdict

The 1933 VFL Grand Final delivered South Melbourne their last flag under the South Melbourne name. Long live the 1933 Bloods.

The 1933 result is now mythologised. South Melbourne would relocate to Sydney in 1982; the modern Sydney Swans inherited this premiership history. The Swans’ eventual 2005 Grand Final win (Leo Barry’s mark) ended a 72-year drought — Bob Pratt’s 1933 era was finally bookended.