1956 VFL Grand Final — Demons Crush Collingwood By 78

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The 1956 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Collingwood 17.16 (118) to 5.10 (40) at the MCG — a 78-point thrashing that delivered the Demons back-to-back premierships. Played on 22 September 1956 in front of 115,802 fans, Melbourne’s premiership confirmed Norm Smith’s coaching dynasty.

The Build-Up: Demons Defending

Melbourne, under Norm Smith, had won 1955. The 1956 Grand Final was about back-to-back. Multiple senior Demons in form.

Table of Contents

Collingwood had reached the Grand Final under coach Phonse Kyne but the Magpies’ resistance was insufficient.

The Match: Demons’ Demolition

Melbourne dominated from start to finish. Collingwood’s 5.10 — five goals across four quarters — tells the story.

Final score: Melbourne 17.16 (118) defeated Collingwood 5.10 (40) — a 78-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: Norm Smith (Second)

Norm Smith collected his second Jock McHale Medal in 1956.

Famous Moments

Multiple Demons’ contributions.
Norm Smith’s continuing tactical genius.
The 78-point Demons margin.
Collingwood’s 5 goals — extraordinary defensive smothering.
The crowd of 115,802.
Demons’ supporter celebrations.
Norm Smith’s emotional Cup lift.
Phonse Kyne’s gracious post-match.
The Demons’ continuing dynasty.
Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

Date: 22 September 1956, MCG.
Final: Melbourne 17.16 (118) defeated Collingwood 5.10 (40).
Margin: 78 points.
Crowd: 115,802.
Melbourne’s 8th VFL premiership.
Demons’ back-to-back flags (1955, 1956).
Collingwood’s 5 goals were among the lowest in any modern Grand Final losing effort.
Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
Norm Smith’s second Jock McHale Medal.
The 1956 win extended into the 1957 three-peat.