1961 VFL Grand Final — Hawthorn’s First-Ever Flag

The 1961 VFL Grand Final saw Hawthorn defeat Footscray 13.16 (94) to 7.9 (51) at the MCG — a 43-point margin that delivered the Hawks their first-ever VFL flag. Played on 23 September 1961 in front of 107,935 fans, Hawthorn’s premiership was John Kennedy Sr’s coaching breakthrough — the Hawks had been founded in 1902 and waited 59 years for their first flag.

The Build-Up: Hawks’ First Flag

Hawthorn had been founded in 1902 (then Hawthorn City) and joined the VFL in 1925. The Hawks’ 36-year drought (or 59-year if counting from 1902) was painful. John Kennedy Sr had taken over and progressively built a finals-grade squad.

Footscray had won 1954 and were continuing to be competitive. The Bulldogs were strong but the Hawks’ breakthrough was coming.

The Match: Hawks’ Coronation

Hawthorn led from first bounce. Multiple Hawks contributed; Footscray’s resistance was futile.

Final score: Hawthorn 13.16 (94) defeated Footscray 7.9 (51) — a 43-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: John Kennedy Sr

John Kennedy Sr collected his first Jock McHale Medal in 1961. He’d later add 1971 and 1976.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Hawks’ contributions.
• The 43-point Hawks margin.
• John Kennedy’s emotional Cup lift — first Hawks flag.
• The crowd of 107,935.
• Hawks’ supporter celebrations — first flag in 36 years of VFL membership.
• The Hawks’ 1971 follow-up awaiting.
• The launch of the Hawks’ modern era.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Footscray’s gracious post-match.
• The 1986+ dynasty distant but coming.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 23 September 1961, MCG.
• Final: Hawthorn 13.16 (94) defeated Footscray 7.9 (51).
• Margin: 43 points.
• Crowd: 107,935.
• Hawthorn’s 1st VFL premiership.
• Hawks had been in the VFL since 1925 — 36-year drought ended.
• John Kennedy Sr’s first Jock McHale Medal.
• The 1961 win launched the Hawks’ continuing era (1971, 1976, 1978, 1983+).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The Bulldogs’ 1954 flag remained their most-recent at this point.

The Verdict

The 1961 VFL Grand Final delivered Hawthorn their first-ever flag. John Kennedy Sr’s first premiership, the 43-point Hawks margin, and the launch of the Hawks era — all combined for a landmark Grand Final. Long live the 1961 Hawks.