1945 VFL Grand Final — The Bloodbath

The 1945 VFL Grand Final saw Carlton defeat South Melbourne 15.13 (103) to 10.15 (75) at Princes Park — a 28-point margin in the famous “Bloodbath” Grand Final, which had the most reported players in any VFL/AFL Grand Final ever. Played on 29 September 1945 in front of 62,986 fans, Carlton’s premiership came with multiple players reported during the brutal contest. The “Bloodbath” remains one of the most-celebrated and controversial Grand Finals in VFL history.

The Build-Up: Wartime Footy

The 1945 VFL season was played as the war ended. Multiple senior players had returned from military service. The Grand Final was held at Princes Park (the MCG had been used by the US Army during the war).

Carlton, under Percy Bentley, had built a competitive squad. Bob Chitty led the way.

South Melbourne (now Sydney Swans) had reached the Grand Final under coach. The Bloods’ tradition was real.

The Match: The Bloodbath

The 1945 Grand Final was the most violent in VFL history. Multiple players were reported for striking, tripping, and other offences during the match. The contest produced ongoing rivalry headlines for years.

Carlton’s depth was decisive. Final score: Carlton 15.13 (103) defeated South Melbourne 10.15 (75) — a 28-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple player reports — most in any Grand Final.
• Bob Chitty’s captaincy.
• The “Bloodbath” identity.
• Multiple Blues’ contributions.
• The 28-point Carlton margin.
• The crowd of 62,986.
• Princes Park venue — MCG used by US Army.
• Wartime footy era.
• South Melbourne’s resistance.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 29 September 1945, Princes Park.
• Final: Carlton 15.13 (103) defeated South Melbourne 10.15 (75).
• Margin: 28 points.
• Crowd: 62,986.
• Carlton’s 7th VFL premiership.
• The “Bloodbath” — most reported players in any Grand Final.
• Played at Princes Park because MCG was used by US Army.
• Bob Chitty was the Blues’ tough captain.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The match remains one of the most-celebrated and controversial in VFL history.

The Verdict

The 1945 VFL Grand Final was the “Bloodbath” — the most violent in VFL history. Carlton’s victory and the brutal contest produced lasting headlines. Long live the 1945 Blues.

The “Bloodbath” Grand Final’s mythology continues. Multiple book chapters, footy documentaries, and pub conversations reference the 1945 contest. Bob Chitty’s captaincy and the brutal contest established Carlton’s tough identity that would carry through subsequent eras.