1944 VFL Grand Final — Fitzroy’s Last Flag

The 1944 VFL Grand Final saw Fitzroy defeat Richmond 9.13 (67) to 9.8 (62) at Princes Park — a 5-point margin that delivered the Lions their last flag before the long pre-merger decline. Played on 30 September 1944 in front of 41,000 fans, Fitzroy’s premiership was their 8th VFL flag. The Lions wouldn’t win another flag under their original name (until the 2001-2003 era as the merged Brisbane Lions, who inherited Fitzroy’s history).

The Build-Up: Wartime VFL

The 1944 VFL season was played during World War II. Multiple senior players were on military service. The Grand Final was at Princes Park (MCG used by US Army).

Fitzroy had built a competitive squad despite the wartime constraints. Multiple senior Lions in form.

Richmond had reached the Grand Final after their 1943 wartime flag.

The Match: Lions’ Final Flag

Both teams played tight defensive footy. The lead changed multiple times. The Lions’ depth held in the closing minutes.

Final score: Fitzroy 9.13 (67) defeated Richmond 9.8 (62) — a 5-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Lions’ contributions.
• The 5-point Fitzroy margin.
• Princes Park venue — wartime MCG unavailable.
• The crowd of 41,000.
• Lions’ supporter celebrations — last flag for the original Fitzroy.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Wartime footy era.
• Richmond’s resistance.
• The 1996 merger awaiting — Fitzroy + Brisbane Bears = Brisbane Lions.
• Fitzroy’s 8th VFL premiership.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 30 September 1944, Princes Park.
• Final: Fitzroy 9.13 (67) defeated Richmond 9.8 (62).
• Margin: 5 points.
• Crowd: 41,000.
• Fitzroy’s 8th VFL premiership.
• Lions’ last flag before the 1996 merger.
• Fitzroy’s premiership history is now retained by the Brisbane Lions.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Played at Princes Park because MCG was used by US Army.
• Richmond had won 1943 — their continuing wartime contention.

The Verdict

The 1944 VFL Grand Final was Fitzroy’s last flag under their original name. Long live the 1944 Lions.

The 1944 result is now mythologised because of what followed: Fitzroy never won another flag before the 1996 merger with Brisbane Bears. The modern Brisbane Lions retained Fitzroy’s premiership history; the 2001-2003 three-peat extended that legacy.