The AFL Grand Final has been Australian rules football's ultimate prize since 1897. It has produced champions, dynasties, droughts, and unforgettable moments. Every September, one club earns the right to lift the premiership cup. From Collingwood's four-peat in the 1920s to Melbourne's golden era in the 1950s, and Richmond's modern dynasty. Here's every champion ever!
Key Takeaways
- Collingwood, Carlton, and Essendon share the record for most premierships with 16 each.
- Hawthorn, Richmond, and Melbourne follow closely with 13 flags apiece.
- The longest droughts include Sydney’s 72 years (1933–2005), the Western Bulldogs’ 62 years (1954–2016), and Melbourne’s 57 years (1964–2021).
- Dynasties have shaped AFL history: Collingwood's four-peat (1927–30), Melbourne's 1950s run, Hawthorn's dominance in the 1980s and 2010s, Brisbane's three-peat (2001–03), and Richmond's modern surge.
- Memorable premierships include St Kilda’s lone flag in 1966, the Western Bulldogs’ drought-breaking triumph in 2016, and Melbourne’s emotional 2021 victory.
1897–1909 – Early VFL Premiers
The VFL was formed back in 1897 with eight clubs, though now it's the Final Eight who make the finals. It broke away from the old VFA, and the finals format wasn't standardised like it is today. In the early years, Carlton and Fitzroy emerged as early powerhouses.
- 1897: Essendon. Essendon – Melbourne (round-robin system). The first VFL season was decided without a single Grand Final match.
- 1898: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Essendon, 5.8 (38) to 3.5 (23). The first true VFL Grand Final.
- 1899: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – South Melbourne, 3.9 (27) to 3.8 (26). Decided by just one point, the tightest Grand Final of the era.
- 1900: Melbourne. Melbourne – Fitzroy, 4.10 (34) to 3.12 (30). Melbourne’s first premiership.
- 1901: Essendon. Essendon – Collingwood, 6.8 (44) to 2.4 (16). Essendon returned to dominance.
- 1902: Collingwood. Collingwood – Essendon, 9.6 (60) to 3.9 (27). Collingwood’s first flag.
- 1903: Collingwood. Collingwood – Fitzroy, 4.7 (31) to 4.5 (29). A thriller won by just two points.
- 1904: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Carlton, 9.7 (61) to 3.11 (29). Fitzroy secured another flag.
- 1905: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Collingwood, 4.6 (30) to 2.5 (17). The Maroons’ defensive strength carried them.
- 1906: Carlton. Carlton – Fitzroy, 6.14 (50) to 6.9 (45). Carlton’s first VFL premiership.
- 1907: Carlton. Carlton – South Melbourne, 6.14 (50) to 6.9 (45). Back-to-back for the Blues.
- 1908: Carlton. Carlton – Essendon, 9.5 (59) to 7.15 (57). Carlton completed a historic three-peat.
- 1909: South Melbourne. South Melbourne – Carlton, 4.14 (38) to 4.12 (36). The Bloods’ first premiership came in a two-point classic.
1910s – Wartime and Early Growth
In the 1910s, Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Carlton continued to dominate. South Melbourne also added premierships, but the First World War disrupted football and some clubs temporarily withdrew from the competition.
- 1910: Collingwood. Collingwood – Carlton, 9.7 (61) to 6.11 (47). A fiery Grand Final remembered for on-field violence.
- 1911: Essendon. Essendon – Collingwood, 13.16 (94) to 5.11 (41). A dominant 53-point win for the Dons.
- 1912: Essendon. Essendon – South Melbourne, 5.11 (41) to 4.9 (33). The Dons went back-to-back.
- 1913: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – St Kilda, 7.14 (56) to 5.13 (43). St Kilda’s first Grand Final ended in heartbreak.
- 1914: Carlton. Carlton – South Melbourne, 6.9 (45) to 4.12 (36). The Blues began a dominant run.
- 1915: Carlton. Carlton – Collingwood, 11.12 (78) to 6.9 (45). Back-to-back triumphs for the Blues.
- 1916: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Carlton, 12.13 (85) to 8.8 (56). Fitzroy won the flag despite finishing last in the four-team wartime season.
- 1917: Collingwood. Collingwood – Fitzroy, 9.20 (74) to 5.9 (39). The Magpies made a strong return.
- 1918: South Melbourne. South Melbourne – Collingwood, 9.8 (62) to 7.15 (57). A close five-point win sealed their second flag.
- 1919: Collingwood. Collingwood – Richmond, 11.12 (78) to 7.11 (53). Richmond’s first Grand Final ended in defeat.
1920s – Expansion and Rivalries
More clubs became genuine contenders during this time. Richmond broke through for their first premierships while Geelong, Collingwood, and Melbourne all saw more success. The decade ended with Collingwood's famous four-peat, which remains unmatched in VFL/AFL history.
- 1920: Richmond. Richmond – Collingwood, 7.10 (52) to 5.5 (35). The Tigers claimed their first-ever premiership.
- 1921: Richmond. Richmond – Carlton, 5.6 (36) to 4.8 (32). A tight four-point win gave Richmond back-to-back flags.
- 1922: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Collingwood, 11.13 (79) to 9.14 (68). The Maroons captured their seventh premiership.
- 1923: Essendon. Essendon – Fitzroy, 8.15 (63) to 6.10 (46). Essendon celebrated its first flag since 1912.
- 1924: Essendon. Essendon (round-robin system). No Grand Final was played; the Dons were declared premiers after topping the finals series.
- 1925: Geelong. Geelong – Collingwood, 10.19 (79) to 9.15 (69). Geelong claimed its first-ever premiership.
- 1926: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 17.17 (119) to 9.8 (62). A dominant win secured Melbourne’s second flag.
- 1927: Collingwood. Collingwood – Richmond, 2.13 (25) to 1.7 (13). A low-scoring match began Collingwood’s historic four-peat.
- 1928: Collingwood. Collingwood – Richmond, 13.18 (96) to 9.9 (63). The Magpies defended their crown in style.
- 1929: Collingwood. Collingwood – Richmond, 11.13 (79) to 7.8 (50). The Pies went undefeated across the entire season.
- 1930: Collingwood. Collingwood – Geelong, 14.16 (100) to 9.16 (70). Jock McHale’s men sealed the legendary four-peat.
1930s – Collingwood’s Four-Peat and Richmond’s Rise
The 1930s began with Collingwood completing their incredible four consecutive premierships. Richmond established itself as the team of the mid-1930s. Melbourne started a new golden era at the end of the decade, preparing for the 1940s.
- 1930: Collingwood. Collingwood – Geelong, 14.16 (100) to 9.16 (70). The Magpies sealed their historic four-peat under Jock McHale.
- 1931: Geelong. Geelong – Richmond, 9.14 (68) to 7.6 (48). The Cats broke through for their second premiership.
- 1932: Richmond. Richmond – Carlton, 18.18 (126) to 9.10 (64). A dominant 62-point win gave the Tigers their third flag.
- 1933: South Melbourne. South Melbourne – Richmond, 9.17 (71) to 4.5 (29). The Bloods’ “Foreign Legion” delivered their second premiership.
- 1934: Richmond. Richmond – South Melbourne, 19.14 (128) to 12.17 (89). The Tigers avenged the previous year’s loss.
- 1935: Collingwood. Collingwood – South Melbourne, 11.12 (78) to 7.16 (58). Collingwood returned to the top.
- 1936: Collingwood. Collingwood – South Melbourne, 11.23 (89) to 7.6 (48). Back-to-back flags for the Magpies.
- 1937: Geelong. Geelong – Collingwood, 18.14 (122) to 12.18 (90). A high-scoring clash secured Geelong’s third premiership.
- 1938: Carlton. Carlton – Collingwood, 15.10 (100) to 13.7 (85). The Blues ended a 23-year drought with their first flag since 1915.
- 1939: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 21.22 (148) to 14.11 (95). Melbourne began their golden run with a huge win.
- Sydney/South Melbourne: 72 years (1933–2005).
- Western Bulldogs/Footscray: 62 years (1954–2016).
- Melbourne: 57 years (1964–2021).
- St Kilda: Still waiting since their lone 1966 triumph.
1940s – Wartime Football and Melbourne’s Dominance
The Second World War impacted player availability and crowd sizes, but the competition carried on. Melbourne completed their hat-trick of premierships, and Carlton, Essendon, and Richmond all enjoyed successful stints. Essendon established itself as a force to be reckoned with under legendary coach Dick Reynolds.
- 1940: Melbourne. Melbourne – Richmond, 15.17 (107) to 10.8 (68). The Demons claimed back-to-back flags.
- 1941: Melbourne. Melbourne – Essendon, 13.20 (98) to 10.8 (68). Melbourne sealed a three-peat despite wartime challenges.
- 1942: Essendon. Essendon – Richmond, 13.9 (87) to 12.14 (86). A one-point thriller gave Essendon the flag.
- 1943: Richmond. Richmond – Essendon, 12.14 (86) to 11.15 (81). Richmond won their sixth premiership in another nail-biter.
- 1944: Fitzroy. Fitzroy – Richmond, 9.12 (66) to 7.9 (51). The Maroons captured their eighth and final VFL premiership.
- 1945: Carlton. Carlton – South Melbourne, 15.13 (103) to 10.15 (75). Known as the “Bloodbath Grand Final” for its rough play.
- 1946: Essendon. Essendon – Melbourne, 22.18 (150) to 13.9 (87). A high-scoring victory cemented the Dons’ strength.
- 1947: Carlton. Carlton – Essendon, 13.8 (86) to 11.19 (85). The Blues won by a single point in one of the greatest Grand Finals.
- 1948: Melbourne. Melbourne – Essendon, 7.8 (50) to 7.8 (50), replay 13.11 (89) to 7.8 (50). The first drawn Grand Final led to a replay.
- 1949: Essendon. Essendon – Carlton, 13.16 (94) to 7.8 (50). John Coleman’s debut season ended with a premiership.
1950s – Melbourne’s Golden Era
The 1950s are remembered for Melbourne's dominance under coach Norm Smith and captain Ron Barassi. Five premierships in six years made the Demons one of the greatest dynasties in AFL history. Essendon, Footscray, and Collingwood all claimed flags, but this was Melbourne's decade.
- 1950: Essendon. Essendon – North Melbourne, 13.14 (92) to 7.12 (54). North Melbourne reached their first Grand Final but were outclassed.
- 1951: Geelong. Geelong – Essendon, 11.15 (81) to 10.10 (70). The Cats secured their fourth premiership.
- 1952: Geelong. Geelong – Collingwood, 13.8 (86) to 5.10 (40). Back-to-back success for Geelong.
- 1953: Collingwood. Collingwood – Geelong, 11.11 (77) to 8.17 (65). The Magpies ended Geelong’s winning run.
- 1954: Footscray. Footscray – Melbourne, 15.12 (102) to 7.9 (51). The Bulldogs claimed their first-ever premiership.
- 1955: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 8.18 (66) to 5.6 (36). Melbourne began their golden run.
- 1956: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 17.5 (107) to 6.8 (44). A dominant win in the Olympic year.
- 1957: Melbourne. Melbourne – Essendon, 17.14 (116) to 7.13 (55). The Demons sealed a third straight flag.
- 1958: Collingwood. Collingwood – Melbourne, 12.10 (82) to 9.10 (64). The Magpies denied Melbourne a fourth consecutive premiership.
- 1959: Melbourne. Melbourne – Essendon, 17.13 (115) to 11.12 (78). Melbourne bounced back to win their tenth flag.
1960s – New Challengers and St Kilda’s Lone Flag
New challengers quickly emerged with Essendon and Richmond building strong sides. Hawthorn claimed their first-ever premiership, and St Kilda broke through in 1966 for their first and only VFL premiership. For many, this is one of the most memorable decades in the history of football.
- 1960: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 8.14 (62) to 2.2 (14). The Demons capped their golden era with yet another flag.
- 1961: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Footscray, 13.16 (94) to 7.9 (51). The Hawks won their first premiership.
- 1962: Essendon. Essendon – Carlton, 13.12 (90) to 8.10 (58). The Bombers claimed their 11th flag.
- 1963: Geelong. Geelong – Hawthorn, 15.19 (109) to 8.12 (60). The Cats secured their sixth premiership.
- 1964: Melbourne. Melbourne – Collingwood, 8.16 (64) to 8.12 (60). The Demons edged Collingwood by four points in their last flag for decades.
- 1965: Essendon. Essendon – St Kilda, 14.21 (105) to 9.16 (70). The Bombers spoiled St Kilda's hopes with a decisive win.
- 1966: St Kilda. St Kilda – Collingwood, 10.14 (74) to 10.13 (73). The Saints won their only premiership by a single point.
- 1967: Richmond. Richmond – Geelong, 16.18 (114) to 15.15 (105). The Tigers broke a 24-year drought.
- 1968: Carlton. Carlton – Essendon, 7.14 (56) to 8.5 (53). The Blues held off Essendon by three points.
- 1969: Richmond. Richmond – Carlton, 12.13 (85) to 8.12 (60). The Tigers secured their seventh premiership.
1970s – North Melbourne’s Rise
During the 1970s, several clubs broke prolonged droughts, and North Melbourne finally enjoyed sustained success under Ron Barassi. This era produced some of the most famous Grand Finals in history. The 1970 classic between Carlton and Collingwood, in particular, was incredible.
- 1970: Carlton. Carlton – Collingwood, 17.9 (111) to 14.17 (101). The Blues staged a record comeback from 44 points down at half-time.
- 1971: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – St Kilda, 12.10 (82) to 11.9 (75). The Hawks edged the Saints in a thriller.
- 1972: Carlton. Carlton – Richmond, 28.9 (177) to 22.18 (150). The highest-scoring Grand Final in history.
- 1973: Richmond. Richmond – Carlton, 16.20 (116) to 12.14 (86). The Tigers gained revenge from the year before.
- 1974: Richmond. Richmond – North Melbourne, 18.15 (123) to 13.9 (87). Richmond sealed back-to-back flags.
- 1975: North Melbourne. North Melbourne – Hawthorn, 19.8 (122) to 9.22 (76). The Kangaroos won their first-ever premiership.
- 1976: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – North Melbourne, 13.22 (100) to 10.10 (70). Hawthorn hit back to defeat the Roos.
- 1977: North Melbourne. North Melbourne – Collingwood, 14.19 (103) to 9.22 (76) (after replay). The Grand Final was drawn first, then North won the replay.
- 1978: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – North Melbourne, 18.13 (121) to 15.13 (103). Hawthorn claimed their fifth flag.
- 1979: Carlton. Carlton – Collingwood, 11.16 (82) to 11.11 (77). Wayne Harmes’ famous boundary punch set up the winning goal.
- Collingwood (1927–30): The only team to win four premierships in a row.
- Melbourne (1955–64): Seven flags in 10 years under Norm Smith.
- Hawthorn (1983–91, 2008, 2013–15): Dominated multiple eras, including a modern three-peat.
- Brisbane (2001–03): The famous three-peat Lions.
- Richmond (2017–20): Three flags in four years, reviving the Tigers.
1980s – Hawthorn and Carlton Dominance
Hawthorn appeared in seven grand finals and won four. Carlton and Essendon also enjoyed success. Richmond opened the decade with a famous victory.
- 1980: Richmond. Richmond – Collingwood, 23.21 (159) to 9.24 (78). A massive 81-point win remains Richmond’s last flag of the century.
- 1981: Carlton. Carlton – Collingwood, 12.20 (92) to 10.12 (72). Carlton's pressure proved too much in another classic between the Blues and Magpies.
- 1982: Carlton. Carlton – Richmond, 14.19 (103) to 12.13 (85). The Blues claimed back-to-back premierships.
- 1983: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Essendon, 20.20 (140) to 8.9 (57). The Hawks crushed the Bombers in an 83-point demolition.
- 1984: Essendon. Essendon – Hawthorn, 14.21 (105) to 12.9 (81). The Bombers stormed home with nine goals in the last quarter.
- 1985: Essendon. Essendon – Hawthorn, 26.14 (170) to 14.8 (92). Back-to-back flags with a record score at the time.
- 1986: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Carlton, 16.14 (110) to 9.14 (68). The Hawks were too strong for the Blues.
- 1987: Carlton. Carlton – Hawthorn, 15.14 (104) to 9.9 (63). The Blues won their 15th premiership in front of a record MCG crowd.
- 1988: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Melbourne, 22.20 (152) to 6.20 (56). A crushing 96-point margin over Melbourne.
- 1989: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Geelong, 21.18 (144) to 21.12 (138). One of the greatest Grand Finals ever, remembered for Dermott Brereton’s bravery and Gary Ablett Sr.’s nine goals.
1990s – Expansion Clubs Break Through
As the VFL officially became the AFL in 1990, it was truly a national competition. New clubs rose, with Adelaide and Brisbane announcing themselves on the big stage. Collingwood broke its long premiership drought at the start of the decade.
- 1990: Collingwood. Collingwood – Essendon, 13.11 (89) to 5.11 (41). The Magpies ended a 32-year drought under coach Leigh Matthews.
- 1991: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – West Coast, 20.19 (139) to 13.8 (86). The first Grand Final played at Waverley saw Hawthorn topple the Eagles.
- 1992: West Coast. West Coast – Geelong, 16.17 (113) to 12.13 (85). The Eagles became the first non-Victorian club to win the premiership.
- 1993: Essendon. Essendon – Carlton, 20.13 (133) to 13.11 (89). The “Baby Bombers” stunned the Blues with youthful brilliance.
- 1994: West Coast. West Coast – Geelong, 20.23 (143) to 8.15 (63). The Eagles won their second flag in three years.
- 1995: Carlton. Carlton – Geelong, 21.15 (141) to 11.14 (80). The Blues stormed to their 16th premiership, still their most recent.
- 1996: North Melbourne. North Melbourne – Sydney, 19.17 (131) to 13.10 (88). Wayne Carey led the Kangaroos to their third flag.
- 1997: Adelaide. Adelaide – St Kilda, 19.11 (125) to 13.16 (94). Adelaide’s first premiership denied St Kilda a second flag.
- 1998: Adelaide. Adelaide – North Melbourne, 15.15 (105) to 8.22 (70). The Crows went back-to-back with a strong finish.
- 1999: North Melbourne. North Melbourne – Carlton, 19.10 (124) to 12.17 (89). The Roos claimed their fourth flag of the century.
2000s – Brisbane’s Three-Peat and Geelong’s Era
The 2000s started with Essendon completing one of the greatest seasons in AFL history. Brisbane established a modern dynasty with three consecutive premierships. Later in the decade, Geelon rose to prominence, winning three flags in five years.
- 2000: Essendon. Essendon – Melbourne, 19.21 (135) to 11.9 (75). The Bombers capped a dominant 24–1 season.
- 2001: Brisbane. Brisbane – Essendon, 15.18 (108) to 12.10 (82). The Lions claimed their first AFL premiership.
- 2002: Brisbane. Brisbane – Collingwood, 10.15 (75) to 9.12 (66). A tight contest secured back-to-back flags.
- 2003: Brisbane. Brisbane – Collingwood, 20.14 (134) to 12.12 (84). The Lions completed a famous three-peat.
- 2004: Port Adelaide. Port Adelaide – Brisbane, 17.11 (113) to 10.13 (73). Port claimed their first AFL flag, ending Brisbane’s streak.
- 2005: Sydney. Sydney – West Coast, 8.10 (58) to 7.12 (54). Leo Barry’s mark sealed the Swans’ first flag since 1933.
- 2006: West Coast. West Coast – Sydney, 12.13 (85) to 12.12 (84). The Eagles won by a single point in a Grand Final classic.
- 2007: Geelong. Geelong – Port Adelaide, 24.19 (163) to 6.8 (44). A record 119-point victory marked Geelong’s return to glory.
- 2008: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Geelong, 18.7 (115) to 11.23 (89). The Hawks stunned the heavily favoured Cats.
- 2009: Geelong. Geelong – St Kilda, 12.8 (80) to 9.14 (68). Geelong held off the Saints to win their second flag in three years.
between premierships, from 1933 to 2005.
2010s – Hawthorn’s Dynasty and Richmond’s Rise
This decade started with the last-ever drawn Grand Final and a replay between Collingwood and St Kilda. Hawthorn enjoyed a three-peat during this time, and Richmond came back to life towards the end of the decade. This decade was marked by close contests and the return of several traditional clubs to the top.
- 2010: Collingwood. Collingwood – St Kilda, 9.14 (68) to 10.8 (68); replay 16.12 (108) to 7.10 (52). The Pies triumphed in the replay after the first match ended in a draw.
- 2011: Geelong. Geelong – Collingwood, 18.11 (119) to 12.9 (81). The Cats claimed their third flag in five years.
- 2012: Sydney. Sydney – Hawthorn, 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81). The Swans clinched a thrilling 10-point win.
- 2013: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Fremantle, 11.11 (77) to 8.14 (62). The Hawks began their three-peat.
- 2014: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – Sydney, 21.11 (137) to 11.8 (74). A dominant 63-point win cemented Hawthorn’s dynasty.
- 2015: Hawthorn. Hawthorn – West Coast, 16.11 (107) to 8.13 (61). The Hawks completed their famous three-peat.
- 2016: Western Bulldogs. Western Bulldogs – Sydney, 13.11 (89) to 10.7 (67). The Dogs broke a 62-year premiership drought.
- 2017: Richmond. Richmond – Adelaide, 16.12 (108) to 8.12 (60). The Tigers ended a 37-year wait for glory.
- 2018: West Coast. West Coast – Collingwood, 11.13 (79) to 11.8 (74). Dom Sheed’s famous goal sealed a comeback win.
- 2019: Richmond. Richmond – GWS Giants, 17.12 (114) to 3.7 (25). Richmond crushed the Giants to claim their 12th premiership.
2020s – Melbourne’s Drought Break and Collingwood’s Record
The Grand Finals were relocated due to COVID-19 at the start of the decade. Melbourne ended a 57-year drought in 2021. Geelong and Collingwood added to their premierships. In 2024, Brisbane returned to the top.
- 2020: Richmond. Richmond – Geelong, 12.9 (81) to 7.8 (50). Played at the Gabba, Richmond claimed their third flag in four years.
- 2021: Melbourne. Melbourne – Western Bulldogs, 21.14 (140) to 10.6 (66). The Demons ended their 57-year drought at Optus Stadium in Perth.
- 2022: Geelong. Geelong – Sydney, 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52). The Cats thrashed the Swans to secure their 10th premiership.
- 2023: Collingwood. Collingwood – Brisbane, 12.18 (90) to 13.8 (86). The Magpies won their record-equalling 16th flag in a four-point thriller.
- 2024: Brisbane. Brisbane – Sydney, 16.16 (112) to 7.10 (52). The Lions claimed their fourth AFL premiership and first since 2003.
- 2025: Brisbane. Brisbane – Geelong, 18.14 (122) to 11.9 (75). This victory marked Brisbane's second consecutive premiership and fifth overall, solidifying their position as one of the most successful clubs in recent AFL history.
- Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon: 16 premierships each (record holders).
- Hawthorn: 13 flags, including dominance in the 1980s and 2010s.
- Richmond: 13 premierships, boosted by their modern dynasty.
- Melbourne: 13 premierships, including their famous 1950s–60s run.
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Josh Carr is my uncle, his son Dude is a very good football player I think he might go pro