1967 VFL Grand Final — Tigers End 24-Year Drought

The 1967 VFL Grand Final saw Richmond defeat Geelong 16.18 (114) to 15.15 (105) at the MCG — a 9-point margin that delivered the Tigers their first flag since 1943. Played on 30 September 1967 in front of 109,396 fans, Richmond’s premiership was Tom Hafey’s first Jock McHale (his coaching tenure had begun in 1966). Royce Hart led the way.

The Build-Up: Tigers’ Drought-Breaker

Richmond hadn’t won a flag since 1943 — a 24-year drought. Tom Hafey had taken over as senior coach in 1966 and progressively rebuilt. Royce Hart, Kevin Bartlett (emerging), Francis Bourke — multiple senior players in form.

Geelong had reached the Grand Final under coach Bob Davis. Multiple senior Cats in form.

The Match: A Tense Contest

Both teams attacked. Richmond led at quarter-time; Geelong fought back; the lead changed multiple times. Royce Hart’s contested marks and 5 goals were decisive.

Final score: Richmond 16.18 (114) defeated Geelong 15.15 (105) — a 9-point margin.

The Norm Smith Medal: N/A (Pre-1979)

Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

The Premiership Coach: Tom Hafey (First)

Tom Hafey collected his first Jock McHale Medal in 1967. He’d later add 1969, 1973, 1974.

Famous Moments

• Royce Hart’s 5 goals.
• Francis Bourke’s pressure work.
• The 9-point Tigers margin.
• Tom Hafey’s emotional first Cup lift.
• The crowd of 109,396.
• Tigers’ supporter celebrations — 24-year drought ended.
• Geelong’s resistance through Doug Wade.
• Ian Stewart-equivalent class.
• The launch of Hafey’s Tigers era.
• Bob Davis’s gracious post-match.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 30 September 1967, MCG.
• Final: Richmond 16.18 (114) defeated Geelong 15.15 (105).
• Margin: 9 points.
• Crowd: 109,396.
• Richmond’s 6th VFL premiership (first since 1943).
• Tigers’ 24-year drought ended.
• Tom Hafey’s first Jock McHale Medal.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Royce Hart’s 5 goals were decisive.
• The 1967 win launched the Tigers’ late-1960s/early-1970s era.

The Verdict

The 1967 VFL Grand Final ended Richmond’s 24-year drought. Tom Hafey’s first Jock McHale, Royce Hart’s 5 goals, and the 9-point margin — all combined for a landmark Tigers Grand Final. Long live the 1967 Tigers.