1973 VFL Grand Final — Richmond Beat Carlton
The 1973 VFL Grand Final saw Richmond defeat Carlton 16.20 (116) to 12.14 (86) at the MCG, a 30-point margin that delivered the Tigers their second flag of the 1970s. Played on 29 September 1973 in front of 116,956 fans, Richmond’s premiership confirmed Tom Hafey’s coaching tenure as the era’s most successful. Royce Hart led the way.
The Build-Up: Tigers vs Blues
Richmond, under Tom Hafey, had won in 1969 and was progressively building. Royce Hart was the captain and key positional player; Kevin Bartlett was the goalkicking machine; Francis Bourke was the midfielder.
Carlton, under Ron Barassi (who’d departed at the end of 1971), then John Nicholls waited; the 1973 Carlton coach was John Nicholls. Carlton had won in 1972 (Barassi era).
The Match: Tigers’ Coronation
Richmond led throughout. Royce Hart’s contested marks, Kevin Bartlett’s 4 goals, and Francis Bourke’s pressure all contributed.
Final score: Richmond 16.20 (116) defeated Carlton 12.14 (86) by 30 points.
The Norm Smith Medal: N/A (Pre-1979)
Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted. BOG is widely recognised as Royce Hart.
The Premiership Coach: Tom Hafey
Tom Hafey collected another Jock McHale Medal in 1973.
Famous Moments
- Royce Hart’s contested marks and 3 goals.
- Kevin Bartlett’s 4 goals.
- Francis Bourke’s pressure work.
- The 30-point Tigers margin.
- Tom Hafey’s emotional Cup lift.
- The crowd of 116,956.
- Tigers’ supporter celebrations.
- Carlton’s resistance through John Nicholls.
- Greg Williams (different player) era.
- The 1970s rivalry intensified.
Trivia for the Pub
- Date: 29 September 1973, MCG.
- Final: Richmond 16.20 (116) defeated Carlton 12.14 (86).
- Margin: 30 points.
- Crowd: 116,956.
- Richmond’s 8th VFL premiership.
- Tigers’ second flag of the 1970s (after 1969).
- Tom Hafey’s continuing Richmond era.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- Royce Hart was widely regarded as the AFL’s premier CHF of the era.
- The 1973 result extended the Tigers’ developing dynasty.
The Verdict
The 1973 VFL Grand Final extended the Tigers’ early-1970s era. Long live the 1973 Tigers.
