1985 VFL Grand Final — Essendon Back-To-Back

The 1985 VFL Grand Final saw Essendon defeat Hawthorn 26.14 (170) to 14.8 (92) at the MCG — a 78-point thrashing that delivered the Bombers back-to-back premierships. Played on 28 September 1985 in front of 100,042 fans, Essendon’s premiership was their second consecutive (after 1984). Simon Madden won the Norm Smith Medal in a ruck masterclass; Kevin Sheedy collected his second Jock McHale.

The Build-Up: Bombers Defending

Essendon, under Kevin Sheedy, were defending premiers. The 1984 flag over Hawthorn had been earned; 1985 was about back-to-back. Tim Watson, Simon Madden, Paul Salmon, Mark Harvey, Roger Merrett — multiple senior players in form.

Hawthorn, under Allan Jeans, were the rematch opponent. The 1984 loss had stung; 1985 was redemption mission. Dermott Brereton, Gary Ayres, Robert DiPierdomenico — strong squad.

The Match: Bombers’ Demolition

Essendon started fast and never let up. Simon Madden’s ruck dominance, Tim Watson’s midfield class, and the Bombers’ depth all combined for a decisive performance.

Final score: Essendon 26.14 (170) defeated Hawthorn 14.8 (92) — a 78-point margin.

The Norm Smith Medal: Simon Madden

The 1985 Norm Smith went to Simon Madden of Essendon. Madden’s ruck masterclass and 4 goals earned the recognition. Madden was a heritage Bomber — 378 games at Essendon (1974-1992).

The Premiership Coach: Kevin Sheedy (Second)

Kevin Sheedy collected his second Jock McHale Medal in 1985 (after 1984). He’d add 1993 and 2000.

Famous Moments

• Simon Madden’s ruck dominance — Norm Smith winning.
• Tim Watson’s midfield class.
• Paul Salmon’s contested marks.
• Roger Merrett’s 4 goals.
• Mark Harvey’s defensive role.
• Dermott Brereton’s defiant 4 goals.
• Gary Ayres’s 28 disposals.
• The 78-point Essendon margin.
• Kevin Sheedy’s emotional second Cup lift.
• Essendon’s supporter celebrations.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 28 September 1985, MCG.
• Final: Essendon 26.14 (170) defeated Hawthorn 14.8 (92).
• Margin: 78 points.
• Crowd: 100,042.
• Norm Smith: Simon Madden.
• Jock McHale: Kevin Sheedy (second of four).
• Essendon’s 14th VFL/AFL premiership.
• The Bombers’ back-to-back flags (1984, 1985).
• Simon Madden’s brother Justin played at Essendon as well.
• The 78-point margin was among the largest of the 1980s.

The Verdict

The 1985 VFL Grand Final delivered Essendon back-to-back premierships. Simon Madden’s Norm Smith, Kevin Sheedy’s second flag, and the 78-point Bombers thrashing — all combined for a dominant Essendon era. Long live the 1985 Bombers.