1972 VFL Grand Final — Carlton’s High-Scoring Spectacle

The 1972 VFL Grand Final saw Carlton defeat Richmond 28.9 (177) to 22.18 (150) at the MCG — a 27-point margin in what was the highest-scoring Grand Final ever played at the time (327 total points). Played on 30 September 1972 in front of 112,393 fans, Carlton’s premiership confirmed Ron Barassi’s coaching tenure. The match’s offensive shootout produced an extraordinary spectacle.

The Build-Up: Blues vs Tigers

Carlton, under Ron Barassi, had won 1968 and 1970 and was continuing their early-1970s dynasty. The home-and-away campaign was strong.

Richmond, under Tom Hafey, had won in 1969 and was also strong. Royce Hart, Kevin Bartlett, and Francis Bourke led the squad.

The Match: An Offensive Shootout

Both teams attacked relentlessly. Carlton’s 28 goals and Richmond’s 22 goals produced 327 total points, a record at the time. The match was a showcase of pure goalkicking. Multiple Blues forwards combined; the Tigers’ attempt to keep pace fell short.

Final score: Carlton 28.9 (177) defeated Richmond 22.18 (150) by 27 points in 327 total points.

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

Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted. BOG is widely recognised as Robert Walls of Carlton.

The Premiership Coach: Ron Barassi

Ron Barassi collected his third Jock McHale Medal in 1972 (after 1968, 1970 at Carlton).

Famous Moments

• Robert Walls’s 5 goals — Carlton’s spearhead.
• Bruce Doull’s defensive intercepts.
• Mark Maclure’s emerging brilliance.
• Royce Hart’s contested marks for the Tigers.
• Kevin Bartlett’s 6 goals.
• The 327 total points were the highest-scoring Grand Final at the time.
• The 27-point Carlton margin.
• Ron Barassi’s emotional Cup lift.
• The crowd of 112,393.
• The Blues’ supporter celebrations.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 30 September 1972, MCG.
• Final: Carlton 28.9 (177) defeated Richmond 22.18 (150).
• Margin: 27 points.
• Crowd: 112,393.
• Carlton’s 11th VFL premiership.
• The 327 total points were a record at the time (later surpassed by 1989’s 282, actually 1989 was 282, not exceeding 327; 1972’s record may have been more endurance-focused). Records vary on the highest-scoring Grand Final.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Robert Walls was Carlton’s spearhead.
• The 1972 Grand Final was an offensive shootout unmatched in the 1970s.
• Ron Barassi’s third Carlton flag.

The Verdict

The 1972 VFL Grand Final was a goalkicking showcase. The 327 total points, Robert Walls’s spearhead role, and Ron Barassi’s third Carlton flag all combined for a meaningful Grand Final. Long live the 1972 Blues.