1974 VFL Grand Final — Tigers Back-To-Back
The 1974 VFL Grand Final saw Richmond defeat North Melbourne 18.20 (128) to 13.9 (87) at the MCG, a 41-point margin that delivered the Tigers back-to-back premierships. Played on 28 September 1974 in front of 113,839 fans, Richmond’s premiership confirmed Tom Hafey’s coaching tenure as one of the most decorated of the era. Kevin Bartlett led the way.
The Build-Up: Tigers Defending
Richmond had won in 1973. The 1974 Grand Final was about back-to-back. Kevin Bartlett, Royce Hart, Francis Bourke, and Kevin Sheedy (player, not coach) are multiple senior Tigers in form.
North Melbourne, under Ron Barassi (who’d taken over in 1973), were in their first Grand Final.
The Match: Tigers’ Coronation
Richmond led from the first bounce. Kevin Bartlett’s 5 goals, Royce Hart’s contested marks, and Francis Bourke’s pressure work were decisive.
Final score: Richmond 18.20 (128) defeated North Melbourne 13.9 (87) by 41 points.
The Norm Smith Medal: N/A (Pre-1979)
Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted. BOG is widely recognised as Kevin Bartlett.
The Premiership Coach: Tom Hafey
Tom Hafey collected his fourth Jock McHale Medal (after 1967, 1969, 1973). Hafey’s coaching tenure at Richmond produced 4 premierships in 8 years.
Famous Moments
- Kevin Bartlett’s 5 goals.
- Royce Hart’s contested marks.
- Francis Bourke’s pressure work.
- Kevin Sheedy (player) — pressure.
- Wayne Schimmelbusch’s 25 disposals for Roos.
- The 41-point Tigers’ margin.
- Tom Hafey’s emotional Cup lift.
- The crowd of 113,839.
- Tigers’ supporter celebrations.
- Ron Barassi’s gracious post-match.
Trivia for the Pub
- Date: 28 September 1974, MCG.
- Final: Richmond 18.20 (128) defeated North Melbourne 13.9 (87).
- Margin: 41 points.
- Crowd: 113,839.
- Richmond’s 9th VFL premiership.
- Tigers’ back-to-back flags (1973, 1974).
- Tom Hafey’s 4th Premiership in 8 years.
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- Kevin Sheedy played in this Grand Final and would later coach Essendon.
- Royce Hart was Richmond’s iconic centre-half-forward.
The Verdict
The 1974 VFL Grand Final extended the Tigers’ early-1970s era. Long live the 1974 Tigers.
