1957 VFL Grand Final — Demons’ Three-Peat Coronation

The 1957 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Essendon 17.14 (116) to 7.13 (55) at the MCG — a 61-point thrashing that delivered the Demons their third consecutive flag. Played on 21 September 1957 in front of 100,324 fans, Melbourne’s premiership confirmed Norm Smith’s coaching dynasty. Multiple Demons stars contributed.

The Build-Up: Demons’ Three-Peat

Melbourne, under Norm Smith, had won 1955 and 1956. The 1957 Grand Final was about completing a three-peat. The Demons’ depth was overwhelming.

Essendon had reached the Grand Final under Dick Reynolds. The Bombers had won the 1949 and 1950 flags.

The Match: Demons’ Demolition

Melbourne led from first bounce. Multiple Demons contributed; Essendon’s resistance was futile.

Final score: Melbourne 17.14 (116) defeated Essendon 7.13 (55) — a 61-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: Norm Smith (Third)

Norm Smith collected his third Jock McHale Medal in 1957.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Demons’ contributions.
• Norm Smith’s tactical genius.
• The 61-point Demons margin.
• The three-peat completion.
• The crowd of 100,324.
• Demons’ supporter celebrations.
• Norm Smith’s emotional Cup lift.
• Dick Reynolds’s gracious post-match.
• The Demons’ continuing dynasty.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 21 September 1957, MCG.
• Final: Melbourne 17.14 (116) defeated Essendon 7.13 (55).
• Margin: 61 points.
• Crowd: 100,324.
• Melbourne’s 9th VFL premiership.
• Norm Smith’s third Jock McHale Medal.
• Demons’ three-peat completed (1955, 1956, 1957).
• The first three-peat since the 1927-1930 Magpie Machine four-peat.
• Essendon’s 7 goals indicated the Demons’ defensive dominance.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

The Verdict

The 1957 VFL Grand Final completed Melbourne’s three-peat. Long live the 1957 Demons.