1963 VFL Grand Final — Cats’ Last Flag For 44 Years

The 1963 VFL Grand Final saw Geelong defeat Hawthorn 15.19 (109) to 8.12 (60) at the MCG — a 49-point margin that delivered the Cats their last flag for 44 years. Played on 21 September 1963 in front of 101,452 fans, Geelong’s premiership was Bob Davis’s coaching success. The Cats wouldn’t win another premiership until 2007 (the 119-point demolition of Port Adelaide).

The Build-Up: Cats’ Coronation

Geelong, under Bob Davis, had built a strong squad. Multiple senior Cats in form. The 1963 home-and-away campaign was strong; the Cats had won 1951 and 1952 — 1963 was their next flag.

Hawthorn, under coach John Kennedy Sr (in his early coaching years), had reached the Grand Final after their 1961 breakthrough flag.

The Match: Cats’ Demolition

Geelong led from first bounce. Multiple Cats forwards combined; the Cats’ midfield was outstanding.

Final score: Geelong 15.19 (109) defeated Hawthorn 8.12 (60) — a 49-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: Bob Davis

Bob Davis collected his Jock McHale Medal in 1963 (retrospective).

Famous Moments

• Multiple Cats’ contributions.
• Polly Farmer’s class — the legendary ruckman.
• The 49-point Cats margin.
• Bob Davis’s emotional Cup lift.
• The crowd of 101,452.
• Cats’ supporter celebrations — last flag for 44 years.
• John Kennedy’s gracious post-match.
• The 1989 painful Grand Final loss awaiting (in 26 years).
• The 2007 redemption awaiting (44 years away).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 21 September 1963, MCG.
• Final: Geelong 15.19 (109) defeated Hawthorn 8.12 (60).
• Margin: 49 points.
• Crowd: 101,452.
• Geelong’s 6th VFL premiership.
• Cats’ last flag for 44 years (until 2007).
• Bob Davis’s coaching success.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Polly Farmer was the AFL’s premier ruckman of the era.
• The Cats’ Grand Final losses across 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995 awaited.

The Verdict

The 1963 VFL Grand Final was Geelong’s last flag for 44 years. Long live the 1963 Cats.