1938 VFL Grand Final — Carlton 4-Point Win

The 1938 VFL Grand Final saw Carlton defeat Collingwood 15.10 (100) to 13.18 (96) at the MCG — a 4-point margin in a tense pre-war Grand Final. Played on 24 September 1938 in front of 96,486 fans, Carlton’s premiership confirmed Percy Bentley’s coaching success.

The Build-Up: Blues vs Magpies

Carlton and Collingwood had reached the Grand Final after strong seasons. The two clubs’ rivalry was building.

The Match: Blues’ Coronation

Both teams attacked. The lead changed multiple times. Carlton’s depth held in the closing minutes.

Final score: Carlton 15.10 (100) defeated Collingwood 13.18 (96) — a 4-point margin. Collingwood’s 18 behinds tells the story.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Blues’ contributions.
• The 4-point Blues margin.
• Collingwood’s 18 behinds.
• The crowd of 96,486.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Multiple senior players.
• Magpies’ resistance.
• Pre-war footy era.
• Blues’ supporter celebrations.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 24 September 1938, MCG.
• Final: Carlton 15.10 (100) defeated Collingwood 13.18 (96).
• Margin: 4 points.
• Crowd: 96,486.
• Carlton’s 6th VFL premiership.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Collingwood’s 18 behinds were among the most by a losing team.
• Percy Bentley was the Blues’ coach.
• The 1938 win bridged Carlton’s late-1930s and 1945 flags.
• Standard MCG Grand Final atmosphere.

The Verdict

The 1938 VFL Grand Final delivered Carlton another flag. Long live the 1938 Blues.