Grand Final, 1981

Carlton	2.4	16	5.8	38	8.13	61	12.20	92
Collingwood	2.6	18	5.7	37	10.10	70	10.12	72

Venue: M.C.G.

Date: Saturday September 26, 1981

Result: Win by 20 points

Umpires: Ian Robinson, Mike Dye

Crowd: 112,964

Goalkickers: Ashman 3, Maclure 2, McKay 2, Sheldon 2, Johnston, Buckley Harmes

Best: Doull, Fitzpatrick, Hunter, Marcou, Maylin, English, Howell, Harmes, Perovic, Glascott

Reports: Nil

Injuries: G.Southby replaced by S.Howell in selected side, R. Waddell replaced by R.Ashman in selected side,

V.Perovic (broken rib), D.English (bruised shoulder)

Game Review

In a great era for football - one of hard, open play, one of champions across the lines, and at the end of the Victorian era - the Blues would win their second premiership in 3 years. In Collingwood's third successive grand final, Carlton would come from behind against the 'Pies to rack up our lucky 13th Premiership in wet conditions although not as muddy as our previous grand final meeting in 1979. Half of the team were playing in their first Grand Final for Carlton which is a remarkable feat considering that it was only two years ago that they played off and won the 1979 premiership.

The era of champions in which this game was played cannot be underestimated. In the Coaches Box was Parkin v Hafey. Across the lines we had Fitzpatrick, Hunter, Doull, McKay and the mosquito fleet of Buckley, Sheldon, Ashman, Marcou, Glascott and Harmes. The key match-ups were Scott Howell on Peter Moore; Peter McConville on Rene Kink, Ken Hunter on Peter Daicos and Billy Picken manning Mark Maclure.

The first tap out of the game was won by Mike Fitzpatrick, and snaffled by Ken Sheldon. In a tight opening stanza, the Blues would score first through the Buzz after a nice 1-handed mark from Maclure, but it would be the Pies who would kick the first major through a Mark Williams snap at the 5 minute mark. Fitzy continued to kill them in the ruck and around in the ground in the traditional ruck role, but bodies all over the ground were throwing themselves into it; none less to than Rene Kink who knocked over the Dominator and Scott Howell against Moore. Our first goal would come from David McKay at full forward from a beautiful pass from Jim Buckley on the wing. The Pies goaled through Barham to to move to 10 points up, before Maclure goaled late in the quarter. In the end the margin was only 2 behinds the Pies way as the teams switched ends.

As was his style - and also one of the stories of the day - Fitzy smashed the opening bounce forward, making its way deep in the forward line. Ashman made his way back on to the ground after going off with injury in the opening stanza, and had immediate impact with a goal from a superb rove off a contested mark situation 20 metres out. The original kick had come from 'Marcel' Marcou after he'd been taken over the shoulder by Twomey. Two strong marks to Peter Moore within 20 metres of goal - the first where he outmarked Howell and Perovic and the second over Howell and Fitzpatrick, created 1 goal 1 as Moore missed an easy shot but the Pies again retook the lead. The lead was extended after a magic running goal by Pies Legend Peter Daicos 40 metres out on his left. The Blues mosquito fleet of Ashman, Maylin and Wells would all work well down the wing to find Sheldon out from goal, who converted, and the game was again tied up. The goal for goal continued with The Dominator snagging a great left foot leg-spinning goal to put us up by 4, before again the Pies countered. The pressure was immense at both ends of the ground, and perhaps the easiest shot on goal for the game was missed by Phil Maylin unpressured 20 metres out on the run. At the end of the first half, the Blues were up by a single point.

The third quarter again began with a huge Fitzy punch, and shortly after the Blues moved ahead with a superb bounce, place and 50 metre running shot from Harmes. Harmes, now on Kink, followed his great goal up with a brilliant mark over Mark Williams in what the commentators described as the "Mark of the Day", if not one of the "Marks of the Year"! It was pretty good, but perhaps the excitement of the contest had us all gulping for air and clutching at straws, if only a little. The Blues strong early start to the second half was unlucky not to lead to a good running snap goal by Wells but it was touched on the line. The Blues were 6.11.47 to the Pies 5.10.40 and it seemed as though we were in control, with Bruce Doull in particular stunning as the defensive leader.

But we weren't. The Magpies came at Carlton at a rate of knots and slammed on 5 goals in a short space of time to move to 10.10.70 and 21 points up late in the third. First Michael Taylor goaled, both Ray and Tony Shaw, an admittedly brilliant smother and goal to Mark Williams a la Earl Spalding (1995 Grand Final) and the last to Barham. The Blues were under pressure and needed to respond.

Late in the third, the Blues would strike back with 2 goals to two different Carlton legends - first Ashman would peg one back after a near spectactular mark to Johnston and then Buckley would kick his first for the day on the run from 40 metres out. The Blues had regained some momentum and entered the last only 9 points down. In the stats to the time, the difference in game plans was brought out - Carlton were winning the ruck with 36 hit-outs to 21, but from there, we had 55 marks to their 33 and they had more than double our handballs. The Blues were supreme in the air, no doubt about it.

The most deliberate Out of Bounds ever was not paid to Carlton in the opening minutes to the last quarter, but at least it was deep in our forward line and the pressure of the Blues continued to sharpen. Sheldon snapped truly to get us within 4 points, and only a few minutes later, a Wayne Johnston clearance saw Ashman rove and kick his 3rd. The Blues were up, but it didn't stop there. Fitzy delivered another super punch, and the ball stayed in our forward line (even if it went into Collingwood's forward half Doull would be there to stop it) as we peppered the goals with shots. Maclure marked and goaled from another superb Ashman rove and kick, before Swan McKay kicked another from a mark and we were 3 goals up - we could almost taste victory. The Buzz almost nailed a spectacular snap, and Collingwood's last ditch efforts to reverse the flow were met with great marking resistance from Doull, McConville and Harmes. The pressure remained relentless as the Blues continually surged forward. A few more misses on goal came through but as the siren sounded, the Blues were up by 20, and the Premiership was ours.

When Carlton's dynamic Wayne Harmes burst through the centre of the field and kicked a long goal on the run, I wonder if the Magpies had flashbacks to the 1979 Grand Final. That was when Harmes scooped the ball from the boundary line to the goal square with great desperation to enable a team-mate to goal and put Carlton back in front in the dying moments in the game. Harmes goal on the run last Saturday was exciting stuff and so reminsiscent of this 1979 effort. - Kevin Sheedy Inside Football.

I admired the Carlton defence during the Grand Final. As usual it was efficient and obviously well trained. We see so many players punch the ball from a pack but it travels only five metres and in no definite direction. But the Blues seem to have made an art of punching the ball effectively, particularily in defence. Take a player like Bruce Doull, whose concentration is great - when he punches the ball he makes sure it travels 15 - 20 metres and to his side's advantage. And don't forget captain Mike Fitzpatrick who on two occassions during the Grand Final thumped the ball about 30 or 40 metres into attack from centre bounces. Obviously a well-rehearsed skill at Carlton. - Kevin Sheedy Inside Football.

Class not heart wins flags. Carlton coach David Parkin said it all immediately after the Blues Grand Final win over Collingwood on Saturday. Parkin said that it had been a long, long time since the better team had lost a Grand Final and he had no doubt that Carlton was a better side than Collingwood on Saurday. Carlton deserved to win the Grand Final and there can be no excuses from Collingwood.

The Blues not only finished on top of the home and away ladder, but also were undefeated in the finals. Collingwood had four tough matches and won two by the skin of its teeth and went down by a sizeable margins twice. There was a lot of talk duirng the week that Collingwood would win because it was "their year" and that the players would never give in.

But everyone following the black and white conveniently forgot that there is no such thing as an edge in desperation and determination in a Grand Final. Any team not 100 per cent would not even make the Grand Final. And given that, Carlton and Collingwood fought out the premiership on skill and ability, with the Blues clear winners.

The Blues had superb players in Mike Fitzpatrick, Bruce Doull, Rod Ashman and Alex Marcou. Collingwood had several fine performers including Ricky Barham and Bill Picken, but they did not have enough class to match Carlton. And it is about time Collingwood realised that heart alone does not win premierships. Parkin wasn't joking when he said that several players not in Carlton's final 20 would have won guernseys in the Collingwood team. Parkin mentioned Geoff Southby, Barry Armstrong, Robbert Klomp, Rod Austin and others. And he was right, Collingwood being desperately short of genuine football class.

However to Collingwood's credit the Magpies really made Carlton fight for the premiership and at one stage looked like carrying off football's biggest prize. Collingwood did well to get to the Grand Final, but as many critics point out, they weren't even the second best side in the competition. I believe that Collingwood's vast experience got it through against better sides in Fitzroy and Geelong, both the Lions and the Cats making late mistakes to allow the Magpies ro steal two finals matches.

But Carlton has been there, done that and there was no mistaking its intention from the time Fitzpatrick got the players to crash through the team banner together. Jim Main Inside Football.

''Captain Fitzy the Greatest Popular Carlton defender Bruce Doull was a deserving Norm Smith Medalist as best player on the ground on Saturday. Doull was magnificent in the heart of the Blues defence and put Craig Davis right out of business. Doull also broke Collingwood hearts twice when he roared down on Ricky Barham to sweep the ball away abd leave the Magpie winger groping at thin air. It was inspirational football, just when Carlton needed it.

However, my man of the match was skipper Mike Fitzpatrick, who played one of the greatest Captain's game in any VFL Grand Final. Fitzpatrick led by example and did not flinch one issue. He controlled the rucks and thumped the Blues back into action in their darkest moments in the third quarter. Collingwood was leading by 21 points and Fitzpatrick simply gritted his teeth and banged the ball forward at the centre bounces.

His example in the centre showed that Carlton was not about to throw in the towel. His Carlton teammates got the message and Collingwood where gone from there. Carlton owes Fitzpatrick a huge debt for his great game and Parkin was one of the first to recognise that. Parkin said immediately after the match that Fitzpatrick had given him as much as Don Scott had ever given him at Hawthorn. And that says a lot. - Jim Main Inside Football.

Bruce Doull won the Norm Smith Medal, with great support through a stunning team of Champions.

Team

B:	27 Des English	40 Scott Howell	15 Val Perovic
HB:	9 Ken Hunter	11 Bruce Doull	37 Wayne Harmes
C:	13 Phil Maylin	1 Greg Wells	32 David Glascott
HF:	4 Peter Bosustow	36 Mark Maclure	7 Wayne Johnston
F:	43 David McKay	33 Peter McConville	16 Jim Buckley
Ruck:	3 Mike Fitzpatrick (c)	5 Ken Sheldon	14 Rod Ashman
Int:	34 Alex Marcou	6 Mario Bortolotto
Coach:	David Parkin

Video

Footage

1981 Grand Final Replay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGMSXVGEjRg The Final Story - 1981 Grand Final: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsG1ZNp4vQ4 1981 Grand Final - David Parkin Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwCXdumo0bY 1981 Grand Final Presentations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb5TuSWppfk 1981 Grand Final - 4 minutes to go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdTSyYM-OP4 1981 Grand Final - Channel 7 coverage Intro.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfD0Q9Jpl8M - voice over introduction by Don Rainsford Channel 7 Bruce Doull Interview on World of Sport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzAqqk2u6y0

Milestones

Norm Smith Medal: Bruce Doull
Last game: David McKay
Rivalries: This was the sixth grand final between these great foes; and Carlton's 5th consecutive Grand Final win - to this day - over Collingwood

Semi Final | 1982

Gallery

1981 GF - Ken Hunter takes a well judged grab.
1981 GF - Wayne Johnston flies high to spoil.
1981 Premiers.
WEG GF Poster - 1981 GF Mike Fitzpatrick.
1981 GF - Maclure takes front spot in marking contest.
1981 GF - Val Perovic & Rene Kink clash.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull spoils Craig Davis.
1981 GF - Rod Ashman & Bruce Doull celebrate victory.
1981 GF - Victorious Captain Fitzpatrick & Coach Parkin.
1981 GF - A Bluebird in action.
1981 GF - A keen Blues supporter.
1981 GF - Marcou & McConville in Bourke ST Mall.
1981 GF - The Blues were just too good.
1981 GF - Seven minute goal blitz destroys Magpies.
1981 GF - Doull & Fitzy carry the Blues.
1981 GF - Player Profiles (page 2 of 2).
1981 GF - Player Profiles (page 1 of 2).
1981 GF - Match Details.
1981 GF - Wayne Johnston gets a quick kick away.
1981 GF - Greg Wells breaks away from Ray Shaw.
1981 GF - David McKay takes a diving mark.
1981 - David Glascott pressures Peter Daicos.
1981 GF - David Glascott spoils Mark Williams.
1981 GF - Mark Maclure is upended as he kicks the ball.
1981 GF - Alex Marcou tackles Peter McCormack.
1981 GF - McConville marks over Fitzpatrick & Kink.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull with the cup.
1981 GF - Blues Victory Lap.
1981 GF - Carlton's spirited win.
1981 GF - Scott Howell outmarks Peter Moore.
1981 WEG Poster
1981 GF - Fitzy: A happy premiership skipper.Pic: Inside Football.
1981 GF - Johnston & Picken in pursuit of the footy.Pic: Inside Football.
1981 GF - Marcou & McCormack after the ball.Pic: Inside Football.
1981 Premiership Team.
1981 Grand Final Harmes Takes Another Big Grab.
1981 GF - Prime Mimister Malcolm Fraser & President Ian Rice in the rooms.Pic: Inside Football.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull: Norm Smith Medalist.
1981 GF - David Parkin Interview (pg 2 of 2).
1981 GF - David Parkin Interview (pg 1 of 2).
1981 GF - Season Review.
1981 GF - Phil Maylin.
1981 GF - Mark Maclure takes a tumbling mark.
1981 GF - David McKay takes a diving mark.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull spoils Craig Davis.
1981 GF - Scott Howell.
1981 GF - Mark Maclure in a marking contest.
1981 GF - Fitzy & Parkin with the Holy Grail.
1981 GF - Greatest Show on Earth (pg 3 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Greatest Show on Earth (pg 2 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Greatest Show on Earth (pg 1 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Those $2 Million Dollar Blues (pg 2 of 2).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Those $2 Million Dollar Blues (pg 1 of 2).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - That One Blue Day in Sept. (pg 3 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - That One Blue Day in Sept. (pg 2 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - That One Blue Day in Sept. (pg 1 of 3).Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Blues back with a Vengance.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The Parkin's and the Cup.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The Blues doing a lap of honour.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The Blues breaking through the banner.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The Blues doing a lap of honour.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The boys in a huddle after the game.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Jubilation after the final siren.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Ian Rice & Parkin chat after win.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Buzz & Rice hug as Doorman Ernie Lawrence looks on.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Ashman with the cup as Fitzy & Rice look on.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - A happy Ken Hunter & Rod Ashman.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Bosustow & Marcou hunt the loose ball.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - A jubilant Captain and the Cup.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Bosustow & Maclure celebrate a goal.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - The Captain & Coach with the Cup.Pic: Aust. Football Action.
1981 GF - Peter Bosustow fires off a handball.
1981 GF - We Did It!!!!
1981 GF - Ian Rice & Rod Ashman embrace.
1981 GF - Jim Buckley.
1981 GF - A drenched Jimmy Buckley.
1981 GF - Ken Sheldon pours champers over Jimmy Buckley.
1981 GF - Peter Bosustow fills up the cup.
1981 GF - Peter Bosustow fires off a handball.
1981 GF - A happy David Parkin.
1981 GF - Johnston & Parkin celebrate.
1981 GF - Fitzy & Parkin at the Melb. Town Hall.
1981 GF - Wayne Harmes takes a screamer.
1981 GF - Doull: Star of the Day.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull: Norm Smith Medalist.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull loses his 'halo'.
1981 GF - Fitzy Wins.
1981 GF - Mike's a Ripper Skipper.
1981 GF - Fitzy at a boundary throw-in.
1981 GF - Fitzy flies high to spoil.
1981 GF - Fitzy & Moore in ruck duel.
1981 GF - Fitzy & Ashman at a break.
1981 GF - Johnston showers Wells.
1981 GF - Fitzy & Moore in ruck duel.
1981 GF - Scott Howell contests with Peter Moore.
1981 GF - Scott Howell Article.
1981 GF - Greg Wells Article.
1981 Reunion1981 reunion
1981 GF - The old scoreboard.
1981 GF - The old scoreboard.
1981 GF - Marching Band.
1981 GF - Banner & The Bluebirds await the Blues.
1981 GF - Mike Fitzpatrick takes the centre bounce.
1981 GF - Capt. Fitzy the Greatest.
1981 GF - Fitzy leads the way.
1981 GF - Fitzy had a big bearing on outcome.
1981 GF - The final siren.
1981 GF - Mike Fitzpatrick wins another hit-out.
1981 GF - Player Profiles (pg 2 of 2).
1981 GF - Player Profiles (pg 1 of 2).
1981 GF - Team List & Selections (pg 2 of 2).
1981 GF - Team List & Selections (pg 1 of 2).
1981 GF - Footy Record Cover.
1981 GF - Coaches sing their tune.
1981 GF - Blues / Pies recent finals history.
1981 GF - Match Review.
1981 GF Ashman & Doull Share The Joy Of Victory.
1981 Grand Final Hunter Marks In Front
Wayne Johnston And Greg Wells After The 1981 Grand Final
1981 GF Alex Marcou Lays A Tackle In The Goal Square
1981 GF A Scramble For The Ball At Ground Level.
Carlton Players On Their 1981 GF Lap Of Honour
1981 Grand Final The Blues Are Jubilant In Victory!Image courtesy of the Age newspaper
1981 GF Ian Rice Embraces Mike Fitzpatrick On The SirenImage courtesy of Carlton Football Club
1981 Grand Final The Blues Prepare To Break Their Banner
1981 GF David Parkin Chaired On The Victory LapEdited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF Fitzpatrick About To Win Another Hit Out.Edited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF How Wayne Johnston Broke His TagEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF Mark Maclure Takes A Tumbling MarkEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF McConville Marks Over Fitzpatrick & KinkEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF Mike Fitzpatrick Salutes The CrowdEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF Peter Bosustow With The Holy GrailEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF Goal DiaryEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 GF VICTORY The Final SirenEdited image - original submitted by Bombasheldon.
1981 Grand Final Scott Howell Juggles A MarkEdited image - originally submitted by Bombasheldon. Players left to right: Moore (Coll.) English (Carl.) Shaw (Coll.) Howell (Carl.)
1981 GF - Doull gets a quick kick away from ex teammate Ray Byrne.
1981 GF - Doull & Johnston leave a fallen Billy Picken on the turf.
1981 GF - An excited Blues Supporter.
1981 GF - Ken Hunter breaks away from Peter Daicos.

1981 GF - Ken Hunter breaks away from Peter Daicos.
1981 GF - Johnston & Wells go for the footy with Marcou in support.
1981 GF - McKay tackles Williams with Johnston & Maclure in support.
1981 GF - Doull gets a clearing kick with McConville in support & Maylin in the background.
1981 GF - Bosustow flies with Maclure for a pack grab.
1981 GF - Crowd Shot.
1981 GF - Howell spoils Moore.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull spoils Craig Davis.
1981 GF - Phil Maylin.The Kevin McNair Collection
1981 GF - Bruce Doull receiving Norm Smith Medal.
1981 GF - A happy Rod Ashman.
1981 GF - A jubilant Phil Maylin.
1981 GF - Harmes & Sheldon with the fans / media.
1981 GF - Phil Maylin receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Rod Ashman receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Jim Buckley receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Mario Bortolotto receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Peter Bosustow receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Bruce Doull receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Des English receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Mike Fitzpatrick receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - David Glascott receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Wayne Harmes receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Scott Howell receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Ken Hunter receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Wayne Johnston receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Alex Marcou receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Mark Maclure receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Peter McConville receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - David McKay receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Val Perovic receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Ken Sheldon receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Ken Sheldon exiting the podium.
1981 GF - Greg Wells receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - David Parkin receives premiership medal.
1981 GF - Parkin & Fitzpatrick with the Premiership Cup.
1981 GF - Sheldon & Fitzpatrick after the final siren.
1981 GF - The Final Siren.
1981 GF - Hugs all round.
1981 GF - The relief.
1981 GF - Back slapping & joy.
1981 GF - Lifting of the Premiership Cup.
1981 GF - The lap of honour.
1981 Grand Final - Ken Sheldon.
1981 Grand Final - Rod Ashman running into goal in the last quarter.
1981 Grand Final - Scott Howell.
1981 Grand Final Souvenir Lift-Out.
1981 Grand Final – Bosustow & Maclure apply pressure that results in Ashman goal.
1981 Grand Final – Alex Marcou & Ray Byrne compete for the ball watched by McKay & Bosustow
1981 Grand Final - Val Perovic spoils the pack.
1981 Grand Final - Alex Marcou shoots for goal.
1981 Grand Final - Alex Marcou watches the footy whilst on the ground.
1981 Grand Final - President Ian Rice & Peter Bosustow celebrate the win.
1981 Grand Final - Scott Howell & Val Perovic on the last line of defence.
1981 Grand Final - Jimmy Buckley with the Cup.
1981 Grand Final Souvenir.
1981 Grand Final - Coaches Hafey & Parkin shake hands.
1981 Grand Final - David Parkin addresses the players.
1981 Grand Final - Parkin chaired by Ashman & Bosustow.
1981 Grand Final - Fitzpatrick cops a high hit from Kink.
1981 Grand Final - Peter Bosustow about to handball.
1981 Grand Final - Bruce Doull.
1981 Grand Final - Photo montage.
1981 Grand Final - Photo montage.
1981 Grand Final - Val Perovic spoils the pack (Scanlens Footy Cards).
1986 Carlton 1981 Premiership Team Reunion
1981 Grand Final Banner About To Be Hoisted.
1981 Grand Final Banner & Bluebirds.
1981 Grand Final Banner.
1981 Grand Final Ken Sheldon