1943 VFL Grand Final — Tigers’ Wartime Flag

The 1943 VFL Grand Final saw Richmond defeat Essendon 12.14 (86) to 11.15 (81) at Princes Park — a 5-point margin that delivered the Tigers their wartime flag. Played on 25 September 1943 in front of 42,000 fans, Richmond’s premiership came during World War II.

The Build-Up: Wartime VFL

The 1943 VFL season was played during the war. Multiple players were on military service. The Grand Final was at Princes Park.

Richmond had built a competitive wartime squad.

The Match: Tigers’ Wartime Flag

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

Final score: Richmond 12.14 (86) defeated Essendon 11.15 (81) — a 5-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Tigers’ contributions.
• The 5-point margin.
• Princes Park venue — wartime MCG unavailable.
• The crowd of 42,000.
• Tigers’ wartime flag.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Wartime footy era.
• Essendon’s resistance.
• The 1944 Fitzroy follow-up.
• Richmond’s continuing era.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 25 September 1943, Princes Park.
• Final: Richmond 12.14 (86) defeated Essendon 11.15 (81).
• Margin: 5 points.
• Crowd: 42,000.
• Richmond’s 5th VFL premiership.
• Wartime flag.
• Played at Princes Park because MCG was used by US Army.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Multiple players on military service during the era.
• The 1943 win bridged Richmond’s 1934 and 1967 flags.

The Verdict

The 1943 VFL Grand Final was Richmond’s wartime flag. Long live the 1943 Tigers.