1968 VFL Grand Final — Barassi Arrives At Carlton

The 1968 VFL Grand Final saw Carlton defeat Essendon 7.14 (56) to 8.5 (53) at the MCG — a 3-point margin in one of the lowest-scoring Grand Finals of the modern era. Played on 28 September 1968 in front of 116,828 fans, Carlton’s premiership was Ron Barassi’s first as senior coach (he’d crossed from Melbourne). Adrian Gallagher led the way.

The Build-Up: Barassi’s Carlton Arrival

Ron Barassi had won six premierships as a Melbourne player (1955-1960, 1964). After his playing career he crossed to Carlton as senior coach in 1965. The 1968 Grand Final was his first as Carlton coach — establishing the Barassi-at-Carlton era.

Essendon had reached the Grand Final under coach Jack Clarke. Multiple senior Bombers in form.

The Match: A Defensive Arm-Wrestle

The 1968 Grand Final was a defensive contest from start to finish. Both teams’ defensive structures were strong; both teams’ midfields were elite. The lead changed multiple times. The fourth quarter was tense.

Final score: Carlton 7.14 (56) defeated Essendon 8.5 (53) — a 3-point margin.

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

Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

The Premiership Coach: Ron Barassi (First at Carlton)

Ron Barassi collected his first Carlton Jock McHale Medal in 1968. He’d add 1970 and 1972.

Famous Moments

• Adrian Gallagher’s defensive class.
• Bryan Quirk’s contested marks.
• The 3-point margin — among the closest of the era.
• Ron Barassi’s tactical adjustments.
• Essendon’s defiant 8 goals — narrowly insufficient.
• The crowd of 116,828.
• Carlton’s supporter celebrations.
• Jack Clarke’s gracious post-match for Bombers.
• The launch of Barassi’s Carlton era.
• The closing of an Essendon dominance era.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 28 September 1968, MCG.
• Final: Carlton 7.14 (56) defeated Essendon 8.5 (53).
• Margin: 3 points.
• Crowd: 116,828.
• Carlton’s 9th VFL premiership.
• Ron Barassi’s first as Carlton coach (after his Melbourne playing days).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1968 Grand Final was among the lowest-scoring of the modern era.
• Barassi’s coaching career had only just begun.
• Essendon’s continuing strong era was interrupted.

The Verdict

The 1968 VFL Grand Final launched Ron Barassi’s Carlton era. The 3-point margin, Adrian Gallagher’s class, and the defensive arm-wrestle — all combined for one of the most-tense Grand Finals of the era. Long live the 1968 Blues.