1975 VFL Grand Final — Kangaroos’ First-Ever VFL Flag

The 1975 VFL Grand Final saw North Melbourne defeat Hawthorn 19.8 (122) to 9.13 (67) at the MCG, a 55-point thrashing that delivered the Kangaroos their first-ever VFL flag. Played on 27 September 1975 in front of 110,551 fans, North Melbourne’s premiership ended a long drought (they hadn’t won a flag since 1925, when they were known as North Melbourne in the VFA never won a VFL flag before 1975). Ron Barassi’s coaching tenure delivered the breakthrough.

The Build-Up: Roos’ First-Ever VFL Flag

North Melbourne had been in the VFL since 1925. Their 50-year drought without a VFL premiership was the longest of any continuous VFL club. Ron Barassi had taken over as senior coach in 1973, already a multi-premiership figure (Melbourne playing days plus Carlton coaching).

Hawthorn, under John Kennedy Sr, had won in 1971. The 1975 Grand Final was a chance to extend the Hawks’ dynasty.

The Match: Roos’ Coronation

North started fast. Wayne Schimmelbusch’s class and Sam Kekovich’s contested marking set the tempo. The Kangaroos’ depth was decisive.

Final score: North Melbourne 19.8 (122) defeated Hawthorn 9.13 (67) by 55 points.

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

Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted. Best on Ground was widely recognised as Wayne Schimmelbusch.

The Premiership Coach: Ron Barassi

Ron Barassi collected another flag at North Melbourne in 1975. He’d already won as a Carlton coach (1968, 1970); the 1975 win established him as a multi-club premiership coach.

Famous Moments

• Wayne Schimmelbusch’s class.
• Sam Kekovich’s contested marks.
• Ross Glendinning’s 4 goals.
• Doug Wade’s veteran experience.
• The 55-point Kangaroos margin.
• Ron Barassi’s emotional Cup lift.
• The Roos’ first VFL flag — 50-year drought ended.
• The crowd of 110,551.
• The Kangaroos’ supporter celebrations.
• John Kennedy’s gracious post-match.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 27 September 1975, MCG.
• Final: North Melbourne 19.8 (122) defeated Hawthorn 9.13 (67).
• Margin: 55 points.
• Crowd: 110,551.
• North Melbourne’s 1st VFL premiership.
• The Kangaroos’ 50-year drought (since their 1925 VFA flag) ended.
• Ron Barassi was coaching after his Carlton premierships (1968, 1970).
• The 55-point margin was decisive.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1975 result was North’s first of their late-1970s flag run (1975, 1977).

The Verdict

The 1975 VFL Grand Final delivered North Melbourne its first-ever VFL flag. Ron Barassi’s coaching, Wayne Schimmelbusch’s class, and the 55-point thrashing all combined for one of the great drought-breakers. Long live the 1975 Roos.