1960 VFL Grand Final — Demons’ Defensive Demolition

The 1960 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Collingwood 8.14 (62) to 2.2 (14) at the MCG — a 48-point thrashing in one of the most one-sided Grand Finals of the modern era. Played on 24 September 1960 in front of 97,427 fans, Melbourne’s premiership was Norm Smith’s fifth as Demons coach. Ron Barassi was the captain.

The Build-Up: Demons’ Continuing Dynasty

Melbourne, under Norm Smith, had won 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959. The 1960 home-and-away campaign confirmed the Demons’ dominance. Ron Barassi was the captain; multiple senior Demons in form.

Collingwood, under coach Phonse Kyne, had reached the Grand Final after their 1958 premiership. The Magpies’ subsequent drought was just beginning.

The Match: Demons’ Demolition

Melbourne led from the first bounce. Multiple Demons contributed; Collingwood’s 2.2 — two goals across four quarters — tells the story of stifled scoring.

Final score: Melbourne 8.14 (62) defeated Collingwood 2.2 (14) — a 48-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: Norm Smith (Fifth)

Norm Smith collected his fifth Jock McHale Medal in 1960. The Demons’ 1955-1957, 1959, 1960 era was one of the great VFL dynasties.

Famous Moments

• Ron Barassi’s captaincy.
• Multiple Demons’ contributions.
• The 48-point Demons margin.
• Collingwood’s 2 goals total — extraordinary defensive smothering.
• Norm Smith’s emotional fifth Cup lift.
• The crowd of 97,427.
• Demons’ supporter celebrations.
• Phonse Kyne’s gracious post-match.
• The closing of the Demons era — 1964 would be their last for 57 years.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 24 September 1960, MCG.
• Final: Melbourne 8.14 (62) defeated Collingwood 2.2 (14).
• Margin: 48 points.
• Crowd: 97,427.
• Melbourne’s 11th VFL premiership.
• Norm Smith’s fifth Jock McHale Medal.
• Collingwood’s 2 goals were the lowest in any modern Grand Final losing effort.
• Ron Barassi’s captaincy.
• The 1960 win was the Demons’ fourth in five years (1955-57, 1960; 1959 too).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

The Verdict

The 1960 VFL Grand Final extended Melbourne’s late-1950s era. Norm Smith’s fifth flag, Ron Barassi’s captaincy, and the 48-point demolition — all combined for a dominant Demons coronation. Long live the 1960 Demons.