2019 AFL Grand Final — Richmond Tigers Crush GWS Giants

The 2019 AFL Grand Final saw Richmond Tigers thrash GWS Giants 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25) at the MCG — the most one-sided Grand Final result in 25 years. Played on 28 September 2019 in front of 100,014 fans, the Tigers’ second premiership in three years confirmed Damien Hardwick’s dynasty. Dustin Martin won his second Norm Smith Medal, again dominating the year’s biggest fixture. The 89-point winning margin made it one of the most lopsided Grand Finals of the modern era.

The Build-Up: Tigers Ascendant

Richmond entered the 2019 Grand Final on a redemption mission. The 2018 preliminary final loss to Collingwood (by 39 points) had stung; the 2019 season was framed as the response. Damien Hardwick’s coaching tenure had built a sustainable model: pressure footy, run-and-handball game style, deep forward-line.

GWS Giants, under Leon Cameron, reached the Grand Final after years of finals frustration. The Giants’ 2017 (preliminary final loss) and 2018 (no finals) had been disappointing; 2019 was their breakthrough.

The Match: Tigers’ Domination

The 2019 AFL Grand Final was played at the MCG on 28 September 2019 in front of 100,014 fans. The pre-game ceremony was standard Grand Final fare; the match itself unfolded as a Tigers masterclass.

Richmond started fast. Dustin Martin’s midfield dominance set the tempo. Tom Lynch’s contested marks were unstoppable. By half-time, the Tigers led by 30+ points.

The third quarter — the “premiership quarter” — saw Richmond extend the lead to 50+ points. The Giants’ young midfield was overwhelmed; the Tigers’ veteran experience was decisive.

The final score: Richmond 17.12 (114) defeated GWS Giants 3.7 (25) — an 89-point margin that ranked as one of the most one-sided Grand Final results.

The Norm Smith Medal: Dustin Martin (Second)

The 2019 Norm Smith Medal went to Dustin Martin of Richmond — his second Norm Smith Medal. Martin’s 23 disposals, 4 goals, and midfield masterclass earned the recognition. The medal continued Martin’s Grand Final dominance.

The Premiership Coach: Damien Hardwick (Second)

Damien Hardwick won his second Jock McHale Medal in 2019. The Tigers’ second premiership in three years (2017, 2019) had now established a dynasty.

Famous Moments

• Dustin Martin’s 4 goals — Norm Smith winning performance.
• Tom Lynch’s contested marks — multiple set shots.
• Trent Cotchin’s captain’s leadership — second premiership as captain.
• The Giants’ contested midfield struggle — overwhelmed by Tigers’ pressure.
• The 89-point winning margin — one of the most lopsided modern Grand Finals.
• The post-match Tigers celebration — second flag in three years.
• Damien Hardwick’s second Jock McHale acceptance.
• Toby Greene’s defiant goalkicking — Giants’ resistance against the inevitable.
• Patrick Cripps’s pre-Grand Final preparation — Carlton’s future captain at the MCG.
• Richmond’s Yellow and Black Army support at the MCG.

Trivia for the Pub

• The 2019 Grand Final was played on 28 September 2019 at the MCG.
• Final score: Richmond 17.12 (114) defeated GWS Giants 3.7 (25).
• Margin: 89 points — one of the most lopsided.
• Crowd: 100,014.
• Norm Smith Medal: Dustin Martin (second).
• Jock McHale Medal: Damien Hardwick (second).
• Richmond’s second premiership in three years (2017, 2019).
• Tigers’ 13th AFL premiership overall (later increased to 14 with 2020 flag).
• GWS Giants’ first AFL Grand Final appearance.
• The 2019 Grand Final was the most-watched Grand Final on TV for years.

The Verdict

The 2019 AFL Grand Final was Richmond’s confirmation as the AFL’s modern dynasty. Dustin Martin’s second Norm Smith, Damien Hardwick’s continuing dominance, and the 89-point winning margin all combined to make this one of the most decisive Grand Finals of the modern era. Long live the 2019 Tigers.

For GWS, the 2019 Grand Final loss was painful but provided experience. The Giants’ continuing finals contention in subsequent seasons (2017 prelim, 2019 GF, 2024 prelim) suggested that breakthrough premiership remained possible.

For the broader AFL, the 2019 Grand Final continued Richmond’s transformation from the 1980 long-drought era to the 2017–2020 three-flag dynasty. The Tigers’ modern era — with Damien Hardwick, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, and the Yellow and Black Army — was one of the most-celebrated stories of the AFL’s modern era.