1959 VFL Grand Final — Demons Beat Essendon

The 1959 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Essendon 11.16 (82) to 7.8 (50) at the MCG — a 32-point margin that gave the Demons their fourth flag in five years. Played on 19 September 1959 in front of 103,506 fans, Melbourne’s premiership extended Norm Smith’s dynasty. Ron Barassi led the Demons. Bob Skilton (later 3-time Brownlow Medallist) had been runner-up in the 1959 Brownlow but the Demons’ team dominance was decisive.

The Build-Up: Demons Continuing

Melbourne, under Norm Smith, had won 1955, 1956, 1957. The 1958 Grand Final loss to Collingwood (the famous Magpies post-war flag) had been the Demons’ only blip. The 1959 home-and-away campaign was strong; the Demons were favourites.

Essendon had reached the Grand Final under Dick Reynolds — the legendary 3-time Brownlow Medallist (1934, 1937, 1938) and successful coach.

The Match: Demons’ Coronation

Melbourne led from first bounce. Multiple Demons contributed; Ron Barassi’s leadership and Norm Smith’s tactical adjustments were decisive.

Final score: Melbourne 11.16 (82) defeated Essendon 7.8 (50) — a 32-point margin.

The Premiership Coach: Norm Smith (Fourth)

Norm Smith collected his fourth Jock McHale Medal in 1959.

Famous Moments

• Ron Barassi’s leadership.
• Multiple Demons’ contributions.
• Norm Smith’s tactical genius.
• The 32-point Demons margin.
• The crowd of 103,506.
• Demons’ supporter celebrations.
• Dick Reynolds’s gracious post-match.
• Norm Smith’s continuing era.
• The 1960 follow-up awaiting.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 19 September 1959, MCG.
• Final: Melbourne 11.16 (82) defeated Essendon 7.8 (50).
• Margin: 32 points.
• Crowd: 103,506.
• Melbourne’s 10th VFL premiership.
• Norm Smith’s fourth Jock McHale Medal.
• Demons’ fourth flag in five years (1955-57, 1959).
• Dick Reynolds was the Bombers’ coach (and 3-time Brownlow).
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The Bob Skilton 1959 Brownlow runner-up confirms the era’s player quality.

The Verdict

The 1959 VFL Grand Final extended Melbourne’s late-1950s dynasty. Long live the 1959 Demons.