1939 VFL Grand Final — Demons Beat Magpies

The 1939 VFL Grand Final saw Melbourne defeat Collingwood 13.11 (89) to 8.16 (64) at the MCG — a 25-point margin that delivered the Demons their 3rd flag. Played on 30 September 1939 in front of 76,304 fans, Melbourne’s premiership came as the country edged toward war.

The Build-Up: Demons vs Magpies

Melbourne and Collingwood had reached the Grand Final after strong seasons. Both teams represented Melbourne’s senior football culture.

The Match: Demons’ Coronation

Melbourne led from first bounce. Multiple Demons contributed; Collingwood’s 16 behinds tells the story of inaccuracy.

Final score: Melbourne 13.11 (89) defeated Collingwood 8.16 (64) — a 25-point margin.

Famous Moments

• Multiple Demons’ contributions.
• The 25-point Demons margin.
• Collingwood’s 16 behinds.
• The crowd of 76,304.
• The pre-war final season.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• Standard MCG atmosphere.
• Demons’ supporter celebrations.
• The Magpies’ continuing dominance ending.
• Multiple Demons’ stars emerging.

Trivia for the Pub

• Date: 30 September 1939, MCG.
• Final: Melbourne 13.11 (89) defeated Collingwood 8.16 (64).
• Margin: 25 points.
• Crowd: 76,304.
• Melbourne’s 3rd VFL premiership.
• Norm Smith Medal not yet instituted.
• The 1939 season was the last before WWII formally began.
• Multiple Demons’ stars laid groundwork.
• The 1940 follow-up confirmed the era.
• Standard MCG Grand Final atmosphere.

The Verdict

The 1939 VFL Grand Final delivered Melbourne another pre-war flag. Long live the 1939 Demons.