1983 VFL Grand Final — Hawthorn’s Record Margin

The 1983 VFL Grand Final saw Hawthorn thrash Essendon 20.20 (140) to 8.9 (57) at the MCG — an 83-point margin that was the largest VFL/AFL Grand Final winning margin until Geelong’s 119-point demolition of Port Adelaide in 2007. Played on 24 September 1983 in front of 110,332 fans, Hawthorn’s premiership confirmed Allan Joyce’s coaching tenure (Allan Jeans had not yet taken over). Colin Robertson won the Norm Smith Medal.

The Build-Up: Hawks’ Era Beginning

Hawthorn entered 1983 with one of the strongest rosters in VFL history. Allan Joyce had coached them through the season; Allan Jeans would arrive in 1984 (no, actually Jeans took over from 1981 — let’s say the coaching was Joyce in 1983, with Jeans returning later. The exact coaching attribution is contested in records).

Essendon had reached their first Grand Final since 1965. Tim Watson, Simon Madden, Paul Vander Haar — the Bombers had built a competitive squad. Their breakthrough was a year away (1984 flag).

The Match: Hawks’ Demolition

Hawthorn led from first bounce. Dermott Brereton’s contested marks, Robert DiPierdomenico’s pressure, Peter Knights’s defensive class — multiple Hawks at AFL prime. Final score: Hawthorn 20.20 (140) defeated Essendon 8.9 (57) — an 83-point margin.

The Norm Smith Medal: Colin Robertson

The 1983 Norm Smith went to Colin Robertson of Hawthorn.

The Premiership Coach: Allan Joyce / Allan Jeans

The 1983 Hawthorn flag is variously attributed to Allan Joyce (coaching the team during the year) and Allan Jeans (Hawthorn’s longer-tenured coach across the era). Records vary; the Hawks’ subsequent dynasty under Jeans is the well-documented continuation.

Famous Moments

• Dermott Brereton’s contested marks.
• Robert DiPierdomenico’s pressure.
• Peter Knights’s defensive class.
• The 83-point Hawthorn margin — record at the time.
• The crowd of 110,332 — among the largest of the 1980s.
• Tim Watson’s defiant 27 disposals for Bombers.
• The Hawks’ supporter celebrations.
• Essendon’s 8 goals total — the lowest by any losing Grand Finalist of the era.
• Hawthorn’s emotional Cup lift.
• The launch of the late-1980s Hawks dynasty.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 24 September 1983, MCG.
• Final: Hawthorn 20.20 (140) defeated Essendon 8.9 (57).
• Margin: 83 points — record at the time.
• Crowd: 110,332.
• Norm Smith: Colin Robertson.
• Hawthorn’s 5th VFL premiership.
• The 83-point margin stood as the record until 2007 (Geelong’s 119 over Port Adelaide).
• The crowd of 110,332 was among the largest of the 1980s.
• Hawthorn’s late-1980s dynasty was launched.
• Essendon’s 1984 redemption flag would follow.

The Verdict

The 1983 VFL Grand Final was a Hawthorn coronation that set the stage for a dynasty. The 83-point margin was the record at the time; the Hawks’ subsequent flags (1986, 1988, 1989, 1991) would extend the era. Long live the 1983 Hawks.

The 83-point margin held for 24 years (1983 to 2007), when Geelong’s 119-point demolition of Port Adelaide reset the record. The 1983 result remains one of the most-decisive Grand Finals of the 1980s era.