1978 VFL Grand Final — Hawthorn Beat North Melbourne

The 1978 VFL Grand Final saw Hawthorn defeat North Melbourne 18.13 (121) to 13.16 (94) at the MCG — a 27-point margin that delivered the Hawks their fourth flag of the decade. Played on 30 September 1978 in front of 101,704 fans, Hawthorn’s premiership confirmed the late-1970s dynasty under David Parkin (his first-stint Hawks coaching role; he’d later coach Carlton). Peter Knights led the way.

The Build-Up: Hawks vs Roos

Hawthorn, under David Parkin, were continuing their late-1970s dominance. Don Scott, Peter Knights, Robert DiPierdomenico (emerging), Russell Greene — multiple senior players in form.

North Melbourne, under Ron Barassi, had won 1975 and 1977 (with the 1977 drawn Grand Final and replay). The Roos were strong; Wayne Schimmelbusch, Ross Glendinning, and others led.

The Match: Hawks’ Coronation

Hawthorn led from the first bounce. Don Scott’s contested marks, Peter Knights’s defensive run, and Russell Greene’s pressure combined. Final score: Hawthorn 18.13 (121) defeated North Melbourne 13.16 (94) — a 27-point margin.

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

The Norm Smith Medal wasn’t instituted until 1979. Best on Ground in 1978 was widely recognised as Don Scott or Peter Knights of Hawthorn.

The Premiership Coach: David Parkin (Hawthorn)

David Parkin’s first major premiership came at Hawthorn in 1978. He’d later coach Carlton (1981, 1982, 1995 flags).

Famous Moments

• Don Scott’s contested marks.
• Peter Knights’s defensive run.
• Russell Greene’s pressure.
• Robert DiPierdomenico’s emerging brilliance.
• Wayne Schimmelbusch’s 26 disposals for Roos.
• Ross Glendinning’s 4 goals.
• The 27-point Hawks margin.
• David Parkin’s emotional Cup lift.
• The Hawks’ supporter celebrations.
• The 1970s Hawks dynasty extended.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 30 September 1978, MCG.
• Final: Hawthorn 18.13 (121) defeated North Melbourne 13.16 (94).
• Margin: 27 points.
• Crowd: 101,704.
• Hawthorn’s 4th VFL premiership of the 1970s (1971, 1976, 1978, plus 1983 to launch the next era).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• David Parkin would later coach Carlton.
• Wayne Schimmelbusch led North Melbourne’s resistance.
• The 1978 Grand Final ended North’s bid for back-to-back-style success.
• The 27-point margin reflected Hawks’ dominance.

The Verdict

The 1978 VFL Grand Final extended Hawthorn’s late-1970s era. Long live the 1978 Hawks.

The 1978 Hawks were one of the most-respected sides of the late 1970s. The combination of Don Scott’s leadership, Peter Knights’s defensive class, and David Parkin’s tactical innovation set the template for what would become the 1980s Hawthorn dynasty under Allan Jeans.