1971 VFL Grand Final — Hawthorn Launch Their 70s Era

The 1971 VFL Grand Final saw Hawthorn defeat St Kilda 12.10 (82) to 11.9 (75) at the MCG, a 7-point margin that delivered the Hawks their first flag since 1961. Played on 25 September 1971 in front of 118,192 fans, Hawthorn’s premiership confirmed John Kennedy Sr’s coaching tenure. The Saints’ continuing 1966 hex extended.

The Build-Up: Hawks’ Era Beginning

Hawthorn, under John Kennedy Sr, had built a finals-grade squad. The 1961 flag (Hawthorn’s first VFL premiership) had been earned a decade earlier; the 1971 win launched the Hawks’ modern era. Don Scott led the captaincy.

St Kilda, under Allan Jeans (who’d later coach Hawthorn), had reached the Grand Final after their 1966 win. The Saints had a genuine pedigree, but the 1966 flag remained their only one.

The Match: A Tense Arm-Wrestle

The match was tight throughout. Hawthorn led at half-time; St Kilda fought back; the lead changed multiple times. Don Scott’s contested marks and Peter Knight’s defensive run were decisive in the final quarter.

Final score: Hawthorn 12.10 (82) defeated St Kilda 11.9 (75) — a 7-point margin.

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

Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

The Premiership Coach: John Kennedy Sr

John Kennedy Sr was Hawthorn’s iconic coach. The 1961 and 1971 flags were the highlights.

Famous Moments

• Don Scott’s contested marks.
• Peter Knights’s defensive run.
• Russell Greene’s pressure.
• The 7-point Hawks margin.
• St Kilda’s continuing hex — only the 1966 flag remains.
• John Kennedy’s emotional Cup lift.
• The crowd of 118,192.
• Allan Jeans’s gracious post-match — would later coach the Hawks.
• The Hawks’ supporter celebrations.
• Ross Smith’s 3 goals — Saints’ resistance.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 25 September 1971, MCG.
• Final: Hawthorn 12.10 (82) defeated St Kilda 11.9 (75).
• Margin: 7 points.
• Crowd: 118,192.
• Hawthorn’s 2nd VFL premiership (1961, 1971).
• St Kilda’s continuing post-1966 hex.
• John Kennedy Sr’s iconic coaching tenure.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Allan Jeans was coaching St Kilda; he would later coach Hawthorn.
• The 1971 result launched Hawthorn’s 1970s era.

The Verdict

The 1971 VFL Grand Final launched Hawthorn’s 1970s era. Long live the 1971 Hawks.