Grand Final, 1987

Carlton	3.5	23	6.8	44	10.11	71	15.14	104
Hawthorn	4.2	26	4.9	33	7.13	55	9.17	71

Venue: M.C.G.

Date: Saturday September 26, 1987

Result: Win by 33 points

Umpires: I.Robinson & R.Sawers

Crowd: 92,754

Goalkickers: C.Bradley 3, S.Kernahan 3, W.Johnston 2, J.Dorotich 1, A.Gleeson 1, K.Hunter 1, W.McKenzie 1, P.Meldrum 1, F.Murphy 1, M.Naley 1.

Best: D.Rhys-Jones, W.Johnston, J.Madden, D.Glascott, S.Silvagni, M.Naley, T.Alvin.

Reports: Wayne Johnston (Striking Robert Dipierdomenico), Justin Madden (Striking Michael Tuck) - 2 Matches each.

Injuries: Nil

Game Review

The 1987 Grand Final is mainly remembered for three things: first and foremost, Carlton’s stunning win against the Hawks by 33 points to reverse the 1986 result between these two great 1980’s teams; secondly, the brilliant Norm Smith Medal winning performance of David Rhys-Jones against Hawk Champ Dermott Brereton, and finally – it was bloody hot.

To this day, the 1987 Grand Final remains the hottest Grand Final on record. It was one of those hot and blowy Melbourne days, often attributed to February but actually in September. It was so hot not only did the perenially sleeved Stephen Silvagni bare his arms, but so too did Hawk Michael Tuck. The top temperature was 30.7 degrees, breaking the previous record heat for the 1944 Grand Final which was just a shade under 30 degrees. Incidentally, on that day Fitzroy won their last ever stand-alone Premiership, this one at Princes Park. Some 52 years later the ‘Roys would merge, or perhaps more correctly be merged, with the Brisbane Bears. But more importantly back to Carlton…

The 20 Blues that would take the 1987 Flag were as follows:

B:	43 Mick Kennedy	1 Stephen Silvagni	35 Peter Dean
HB:	22 Ian Aitken	26 David Rhys-Jones	31 Tom Alvin
C:	38 Shane Robertson	21 Craig Bradley	32 David Glascott
HF:	23 Paul Meldrum	4 Stephen Kernahan (c)	3 Richard Dennis
F:	9 Ken Hunter	6 Jon Dorotich	30 Fraser Murphy
Ruck:	44 Justin Madden (vc)	7 Wayne Johnston	17 Mark Naley
Int:	12 Adrian Gleeson	45 Warren McKenzie
Coach:	Robert Walls

Alan Jones (Australia's national rugby coach) spoke to the players during the week leading up to the Grand Final and urged them to take the game minute-by-minute, to not be frustrated by previous events in the match, but to focus on how they could best help the team for the rest of the game. After Daryl Somers had sung the National Anthem, 1987 Wimbledon champion and Hawk fan Pat Cash tossed the coin. Hawthorn won and kicked to the scoreboard end (also known at the time as the Richmond or Railway End). As far as omens go, some of the more fanatic fans may have viewed this as a positive – for Olivia Newton John, a Carlton fan, was involved in the pre-game festivities in 1986 and we ended up losing.

Perhaps a better omen was at the opening bounce of the first quarter; a bounce that never really took place. Blue Wayne Johnston correctly pointed out to umpire Robinson that Hawthorn had five players in the square immediately preceding the bounce. Although the resulting free kick was marked by Ken Hunter up forward and his shot on goal drifted wide, the Blues appeared on their mettle and set for revenge.

About two minutes in, The Dominator scored our first goal after a trip against Andy Collins (Johnno also scored our opening goal in the 1982 Grand Final win against Richmond). Minutes later, Johnston was reported for elbowing Dipierdomenico in what was an eventful quarter for the 4-time Premiership player - Johnston sent out a clear message that the Blues were going to be hard at the ball and the man. In between and shortly after, both teams seemed to be gearing up but missing shots on goal, with behinds to Meldrum, Dorotich and Naley matched by Hawk minors to Curran and Schwab. Johnston’s amazing opening continued with his second goal, after Madden tackled Schwab and the ball spilled out to be collected by the Dominator, who launched from inside 50 and split the big sticks. Two minutes later Kenny Hunter converted a another mark inside 50 for a goal. We could have jumped further ahead if not for some contentious umpiring; the goal umpire said the Kernahan had marked over the line and a behind was paid, and then field umpire Robertson refused to pay a holding the man free to Dorra in our forward line. In anger, Dorra gave a free kick away and in the ensuing few minutes, Kennedy (after stealing Ian Aitken's mark), Platten and Dipper all scored majors and Madden was reported. A further goal after the siren to the Hawks and after a brilliant start, the Blues were down at quarter time.

The Hawks didn't have the lead for long as the Blues came out of the break with gusto, scoring majors through Craig Bradley after a handpass from Ken Hunter and one to Dorra after an uncharacteristic fumble from Hawk great Garry Ayres. A succession of behinds and tight play characterised the next 20 minutes, before Stephen Kernahan slotted the next major; the captain didn't take the ball in his hands but soccered it through instead. After being down at quarter time, our three goals to the Hawks 0.7 saw us in front at the main break. Viewers at the ground were treated to the annual Grand Final Sprint, although many at the day only remember the Speedo models accompanying the race.

The third quarter was a rather even affair but the Blues maintained their ascendancy. Goals to the captain (after a mark), Braddles (on the run) and Paul Meldrum (after a lucky bounce at the top of the goal square) were matched by Hawthorn goals to Curran and Greg Dear. It was still hot, the Blues had had a week off in the finals and now we were 17 points up going into the last break.

Some games are won and lost well before the last quarter. Others are won and lost in small periods of time where one team flexes their muscles and pounces. The 1987 Grand Final was the latter, with the Blues taking the game early in the last quarter with a spectacular run of goals to boil our Blue coloured Blood to fever pitch. First, 'Bear' Gleeson roved the pack and kicked a goal; next fellow mosquito Mark Naley roved the pack, completed a dodge, took a bounce and roosted a major. The third of four heart-pounding goals in succession went to Kernahan with a massive long kick and finally Warren McKenzie with his third mark, successfully converted. The Blues were romping away and a few late goals to the Hawks would not pull us back. Our final goal of the day went to Fraser Murphy after a deft tap by Adrian Gleeson, and as the siren sounded at 29 minutes 27 seconds, the Blues had won their 15th Premiership.

And one final footnote...the press of the time was full of praise for coach Robert Walls and his move to put David Rhys-Jones on to Derm the Germ Brereton. Rhys-Jones led Brereton to the ball and matched him for strength and was a key player to the game. In the end it was no surprise that 'Rhys' won the Norm Smith for 1987.

Video

Links

Semi Final | 1988

Gallery

Rhys and Dermott.jpg
D Glascott.jpgDavid Glascott celebrating his Premiership medallion
Kennedy stealing Aitkens Ball.jpgKennedy stealing Aitken's mark
Madden felling Tuck.jpg
1987 GF Stats resized.jpgStats Sheet
87GF 2 Fans in outer.jpg
87GF REESE.jpg
87GF Sos and Fan.jpg
87GF Speedo Girls.jpg
87GF Speedo.jpg
GF87 Banner.jpg
GF87 Celebration.jpg
GF87 Johnston.jpg
GF87 Street Writing.jpg
1987 Premiership.jpg
1987 Premiership Team.jpg
1987 - Stephen Kernahan being chaired with the cup.
1987 - Carlton the Conqueror.
1987 - Rhys-Jones the Norm Smith Medalist.
1987 - Carlton Premiers for 1987.
1987 Grand Final - Ian Aitken marks over Russell Greene.
1987 Grand Final - Fraser Murphy breaks away.
1987 Grand Final - Stephen Silvagni takes a big grab.
1987 Grand Final Player Stats.
1987 Grand Final - Goal by Goal Summary.
1987 Grand Final Review - Red Hot Blues Show True Colours (IF 30/09/87) page 2 of 2.
1987 Grand Final Review - Red Hot Blues Show True Colours (IF 30/09/87) page 1 of 2.
1987 Grand Final Player Review (IF 30/09/87) page 1 of 2.
1987 GF Player Review (IF 30/09/87) page 1 of 2.
1987 Reserves GF - Wayne Harmes breaks away.
1987 GF - Johnston & Bradley celebrate victory.
1987 GF - John Elliott interviews Jon Dorotich.
1987 Reserves GF Match Review.
1987 GF - The sweet taste of Revenge.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy swaps jumpers.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy & Platten contest the footy.
1987 GF - Rhys the Key.
1987 GF - Quotes from the Grand Final.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones in pursuit of the footy.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones popular pick for BOG.
1987 GF - The coach & president with the cup.
1987 GF - Robert Walls with the cup.
1987 GF - Blues to depend on youth.
1987 GF - Sheedy's Match Review.
1987 GF - That one strange day in September.
1987 GF - Blues sack fear.
1987 GF - All systems go for fit Blues.
1987 GF - Thanks Big John.
1987 GF - No Blue Blues.
1987 GF - Wayne Johnston a superb leader.
1987 GF - David Glascott.
1987 GF - Blues hand out a warning.
1987 GF - Blues show their mateship.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones BOG (EJ Whitten).
1987 GF - Improved fitness the key; Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones so cool in the heat.
1987 GF - Walls gets the best from Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF - Walls the best off the ground.
1987 GF - Mark Naley the best rover of the finals.
1987 GF - Des English with the premiership cup.
1987 GF - Ken Hunter marks.
1987 GF - Hawk Confusion as Johnno & Aitken about to tackle.
1987 GF - Murphy unbearable in the lead-up.
1987 GF - Tommy Alvin in top touch.
1987 GF - Silvagni flies high to spoil.
1987 GF - Carlton can thank Wayne Johnston.
1987 GF - Johnston gives Rhys-Jones a celebratory hug
1987 GF - A happy Wayne Johnston.
1987 GF - Murphy sprints away from Jencke.
1987 GF - Peter Dean.
1987 GF - Peter Dean knocks the ball away from Hawks.
1987 GF - Peter Dean about to tackle Dipper.
1987 GF - Blues belt out the theme song.
1987 GF - Silvagni battles Curran for the footy.
1987 GF - Silvagni leads Curran to the footy.
1987 GF - Kernahan & Langford battle it out.
1987 GF - Kernahan and the Cup.
1987 GF - Ken Hunter marks.
1987 GF - Ken Hunter evades John Kennedy.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones being worshipped by the masses.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones gets a kiss for his troubles.
1987 GF - Dorotich spoils Brereton.
1987 GF - Dorotich move a winner.
1987 GF - Jon Dorotich marks in front of Chris Mew.
1987 GF - Justin Madden contesting a throw-in.
1987 GF - Justin Madden sandwiched in a pack.
1987 GF - Big win by the Blues.
1987 GF - Oh what a feeling.
1987 GF - A couple of fanatical Blues.
1987 GF - A great day to win the flag.
1987 GF - Boring GF - No Way.
1987 Reserves GF - Mil Hanna shoots for goal.
1987 Reserves GF - How long Hanna?
1987 GF - Player Ratings.
1987 GF - How they lined up at the start.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy.
1987 GF - Revenge is sweet.
1987 GF - Stats even but scoreline not.
1987 GF Review (page 2 of 2).
1987 GF Review (page 1 of 2).
1987 Reserves GF Review.
1987 GF - Grand day for David.
1987 GF - Morris backs away from Dean & Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF - Defence like a brick wall.
1987 GF - Player of the week.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones for the 1988 Brownlow.
1987 GF - Hawks crunched in tackles.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones move tipped.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones flies high to rush a behind.
1987 GF - A happy Rhys-Jones and John Elliot.
Blues coach Robert Walls during the 1987 GF parade
1987 GF - Walls being congratulated by a gracious Alan Jeans.
1987 GF - Walls at the aftermatch function.
1987 GF - Craig Bradley.
1987 GF - Bradley marks over Kennedy.
1987 GF - Cant control the Dominator.
1987 GF - Johnno works the ball forward.
1987 GF - Naley nervous in lead-up.
1987 GF - Naley streaming towards goals.
1987 GF - McKenzie & Gleeson celebrate a Naley goal.
1987 GF - Warren McKenzie celebrating a Blues victory.
1987 GF - Gleeson looking for a target downfield.
1987 GF - Gleeson about to collect the loose ball.
1987 GF - Gleeson about to kicking the opening goal of the last Qtr.
1987 GF - You Blue-dy.
1987 GF - Silvagni flies over the pack to spoil.
1987 GF - Silvagni crunches the pack front-on.
1987 GF - Silvagni dishes off a handball.
1987 GF - Madden & Dear contest a hit-out.
1987 GF - Madden wins another hit-out.
1987 GF - Celebrating a last quarter goal
1987 GF - Madden accepts his player medalliion.
1987 GF - Tommy Alvin at postmatch function.
1987 GF - Ken Hunter at postmatch function.
1987 GF - Murphy & Dorotich at post match function.
1987 GF - The siren goes off.
WEG GF Poster - 1987 GF Stephen Kernahan.
1987 GF - A happy Justin Madden.
1987 GF - The boys celebrate at Naughtons.
1987 GF - Blues celebrate the win.
1987 GF - Rhys spoils Dermie (again).
1987 GF - Kernahan holding the cup aloft.
1987 GF - Article.
1987 GF - An elated Johnston hugs Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF - David Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF Celebrations - Stephen Kernahan.
1987 WEG Poster
1987 GF - Kernahan & Walls.Pic: Football Life.
1987 GF - THE Cup with Bradley and Motley.Pic: Football Life.
1987 GF - Wayne Johnston in the rooms.
1987 GF - David Glascott gets a quick kick away.
1987 GF - Molly with the Cup.
1987 GF - Ian Aitken.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy.
1987 GF - Anatomy of a Premiership.
1987 GF - Kernahan & Walls.
1987 GF - Rhys-Jones: The Big Switch (18/05/01).
1987 GF - Justin Madden palms the footy.
1987 GF - Player Profiles (pg 2 of 2).
1987 GF - Player Profiles (pg 1 of 2).
1987 GF - Team List & Selections (pg 2 of 2).
1987 GF - Team List & Selections (pg 1 of 2).
1987 GF - Footy Record Cover.
$Rhys Jones Swoops On Brereton \'87 GF$

Rhys Jones Swoops On Brereton \'87 GF
1987 GF Coach Robert Walls Leads The Club SongImage courtesy of The Age newspaper
1987 GF The Team Roars Out The Club SongImage courtesy of The Age newspaper
Peter Motley And Craig Bradley With The 1987 Cup.Image courtesy of Carlton Football Club.
1987 GF - Sticks & Walls.
1987 GF - Harry Madden on the dias.
1987 GF - Robert Walls.
1987 GF - Norm Smith Medalist David Rhys-Jones.
1987 GF - Tommy Alvin gets a clearing kick.
1987 GF - Blues supporters ecstatic with the win.
1987 GF - Grand Final Banner.
1987 GF - Peter Dean & Ian Aitken get physical with their opponents.
1987 GF - Murphy flies high whilst supported by Gleeson.
1987 GF - Ian Aitken & Wayne Johnston.
1987 GF - Peter Dean & Ian Aitken fly for a mark with SOS in support.
1987 GF - Mick Kennedy & David Glascott.
1987 GF - Paul Meldrum.
1987 Grand Final - Peter Dean & Ian Aitken in a marking contest.
1987 Grand Final - A jubilant Stephen Kernahan & Ken Hunter.
1987 - Grand Finalists Poster.
1987 Grand Final - An unlucky Bernie Evans.
1987 Grand Final - An unlucky Peter Motley.
1987 Grand Final - Stephen Kernahan & Ian Aitken with the premiership cup.
1987 Grand Final - Justin Madden hits the ball to Craig Bradley.
1987 Grand Final - John Elliott & Rhys-Jones.
1987 Grand Final - Kernahan celebrating with the cup.
1987 Grand Final - Kernahan & Hunter celebrate win.