1950 VFL Grand Final — Bombers Back-To-Back
The 1950 VFL Grand Final saw Essendon defeat North Melbourne 13.18 (96) to 7.10 (52) at the MCG — a 44-point margin that delivered the Bombers back-to-back premierships. Played on 23 September 1950 in front of 86,317 fans, Essendon’s premiership confirmed Dick Reynolds’s coaching tenure as one of the most-decorated of the era.
The Build-Up: Bombers Defending
Essendon had won 1949 (Bombers’ coronation in the post-war era). The 1950 home-and-away campaign was strong; multiple senior Bombers in form.
North Melbourne had reached the Grand Final but the Roos were yet to win their breakthrough flag (would come in 1975).
The Match: Bombers’ Demolition
Essendon led from first bounce. Multiple Bombers contributed; North’s resistance was insufficient.
Final score: Essendon 13.18 (96) defeated North Melbourne 7.10 (52) — a 44-point margin.
Famous Moments
- Multiple Bombers’ contributions.
- Dick Reynolds’s coaching genius.
- The 44-point Bombers margin.
- Bombers’ back-to-back coronation.
- The crowd of 86,317.
- Bombers’ supporter celebrations.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- North’s continuing pre-1975 frustration.
- The Bombers’ continuing post-war era.
- Standard MCG atmosphere.
Trivia for the Pub
- Date: 23 September 1950, MCG.
- Final: Essendon 13.18 (96) defeated North Melbourne 7.10 (52).
- Margin: 44 points.
- Crowd: 86,317.
- Essendon’s 10th VFL premiership.
- Bombers’ back-to-back flags (1949, 1950).
- Dick Reynolds’s coaching success.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- The 1950 win was the Bombers’ last for 12 years (until 1962).
- North’s continuing pre-1975 hex.
The Verdict
The 1950 VFL Grand Final delivered Essendon back-to-back premierships. Long live the 1950 Bombers.
