1962 VFL Grand Final — Bombers Beat Carlton
The 1962 VFL Grand Final saw Essendon defeat Carlton 13.12 (90) to 8.10 (58) at the MCG — a 32-point margin that confirmed the Bombers’ early-1960s era under coach Jack Clarke. Played on 22 September 1962 in front of 98,385 fans, Essendon’s premiership was Jack Clarke’s first as senior coach.
The Build-Up: Bombers’ Era
Essendon, under Jack Clarke, had built a competitive squad. The 1962 home-and-away campaign was strong; multiple senior Bombers in form.
Carlton had reached the Grand Final under coach Ken Hands. Multiple senior Blues in form.
The Match: Bombers’ Coronation
Essendon led from the second quarter and never relinquished. Multiple Bombers contributed.
Final score: Essendon 13.12 (90) defeated Carlton 8.10 (58) — a 32-point margin.
The Premiership Coach: Jack Clarke (First)
Jack Clarke collected his first Jock McHale Medal in 1962. He’d add 1965.
Famous Moments
- Multiple Bombers’ contributions.
- The 32-point Essendon margin.
- Jack Clarke’s emotional first Cup lift.
- The crowd of 98,385.
- Bombers’ supporter celebrations.
- Ken Hands’s gracious post-match.
- The continuing rivalry.
- Essendon’s continuing era.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- The standard MCG Grand Final atmosphere.
Trivia for the Pub
- Date: 22 September 1962, MCG.
- Final: Essendon 13.12 (90) defeated Carlton 8.10 (58).
- Margin: 32 points.
- Crowd: 98,385.
- Essendon’s 11th VFL premiership.
- Jack Clarke’s first as Bombers coach.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- The 1962 win launched Bombers’ early-1960s era.
- Carlton’s continuing post-1947 drought (last flag had been 1947).
- Multiple Bombers maintained form into the 1965 flag.
The Verdict
The 1962 VFL Grand Final extended Essendon’s continuing era. Long live the 1962 Bombers.
