1941 VFL Grand Final — Demons Beat Bombers

The 1941 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Essendon 19.13 (127) to 13.20 (98) at the MCG — a 29-point margin that delivered the Demons a flag. Played on 27 September 1941 in front of 65,884 fans, Melbourne’s premiership came in the early-war era. The MCG was still available (would be requisitioned for the US Army the following year).

The Build-Up: Demons vs Bombers

Melbourne and Essendon had reached the Grand Final after strong seasons. The early-war era was beginning to affect the league.

The Match: Demons’ Coronation

Melbourne led from first bounce. Multiple Demons contributed.

Final score: Melbourne 19.13 (127) defeated Essendon 13.20 (98) — a 29-point margin. Essendon’s 20 behinds tells the story of inaccuracy in defeat.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Demons’ contributions.
• The 29-point Demons margin.
• Essendon’s 20 behinds.
• The crowd of 65,884.
• The early-war era beginning.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1942 Bombers wartime flag awaiting.
• The MCG still available.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.
• Demons’ supporter celebrations.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 27 September 1941, MCG.
• Final: Melbourne 19.13 (127) defeated Essendon 13.20 (98).
• Margin: 29 points.
• Crowd: 65,884.
• Melbourne’s 5th VFL premiership.
• Last Grand Final at MCG before US Army requisition.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Essendon’s 20 behinds were among the most by a losing Grand Finalist.
• The 1941 win was bridge to the 1948 drawn Grand Final + replay.
• Multiple Demons’ stars laid groundwork for the Norm Smith era.

The Verdict

The 1941 VFL Grand Final delivered Melbourne another flag. Long live the 1941 Demons.