1965 VFL Grand Final — Bombers’ Last Flag For 19 Years
The 1965 VFL Grand Final saw Essendon defeat St Kilda 14.21 (105) to 9.16 (70) at the MCG — a 35-point margin that gave the Bombers their last flag for 19 years. Played on 25 September 1965 in front of 104,846 fans, Essendon’s premiership was Jack Clarke’s coaching success. Saints’ continuing pre-1966 frustration extended.
The Build-Up: Bombers vs Saints
Essendon, under Jack Clarke, had built a finals-grade squad. Multiple senior Bombers in form. The 1965 home-and-away campaign was strong.
St Kilda, under Allan Jeans (in his early coaching years), had reached the Grand Final but had yet to win their breakthrough premiership (would come in 1966).
The Match: Bombers’ Coronation
Essendon led throughout. Multiple Bombers contributed to the 14.21 scoreline. St Kilda’s resistance was admirable but futile.
Final score: Essendon 14.21 (105) defeated St Kilda 9.16 (70) — a 35-point margin.
The Premiership Coach: Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke collected his Jock McHale Medal in 1965 (retrospective).
Famous Moments
- Multiple Bombers’ contributions.
- Geoff Pryor’s pressure.
- The 35-point margin.
- Jack Clarke’s emotional Cup lift.
- The crowd of 104,846.
- Bombers’ supporter celebrations — last flag for 19 years.
- Allan Jeans’s gracious post-match for Saints.
- The 1966 Saints redemption set up.
- The launch of Bombers’ continuing 1960s era.
- The traditional MCG atmosphere.
Trivia for the Pub
- Date: 25 September 1965, MCG.
- Final: Essendon 14.21 (105) defeated St Kilda 9.16 (70).
- Margin: 35 points.
- Crowd: 104,846.
- Essendon’s 12th VFL premiership.
- Bombers’ last flag before 19-year drought (until 1984).
- Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
- St Kilda’s pre-1966 frustration extended.
- Allan Jeans was building toward the 1966 breakthrough.
- Jack Clarke’s coaching success.
The Verdict
The 1965 VFL Grand Final was Essendon’s last flag for 19 years. Long live the 1965 Bombers.
