1951 VFL Grand Final — Cats End 14-Year Drought

The 1951 VFL Grand Final saw Geelong defeat Essendon 11.15 (81) to 10.10 (70) at the MCG — an 11-point margin that delivered the Cats their first flag since 1937. Played on 22 September 1951 in front of 84,109 fans, Geelong’s premiership ended their 14-year drought.

The Build-Up: Cats’ Drought-Breaker

Geelong had won 1937. The 14-year drought was painful. The 1951 campaign saw the Cats’ breakthrough.

Essendon had reached the Grand Final under Dick Reynolds — the legendary 3-time Brownlow Medallist coach.

The Match: A Tense Contest

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

Final score: Geelong 11.15 (81) defeated Essendon 10.10 (70) — an 11-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Cats’ contributions.
• The 11-point Cats margin.
• Geelong’s drought-breaker.
• The crowd of 84,109.
• Cats’ supporter celebrations — 14-year drought ended.
• Dick Reynolds’s gracious post-match.
• The launch of the Cats’ early-1950s era.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1952 follow-up awaiting.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 22 September 1951, MCG.
• Final: Geelong 11.15 (81) defeated Essendon 10.10 (70).
• Margin: 11 points.
• Crowd: 84,109.
• Geelong’s 4th VFL premiership.
• Cats’ first flag since 1937 — 14-year drought-breaker.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1951 win launched the Cats’ 1951-1952 era.
• Dick Reynolds was Essendon’s legendary 3-time Brownlow Medallist coach.
• Multiple Cats’ stars maintained form into the 1952 flag.

The Verdict

The 1951 VFL Grand Final ended Geelong’s 14-year drought. Long live the 1951 Cats.