The 1933 VFL Grand Final
Fit, fresh, well, and fully manned, Richmond in all probability would have put up a great game against South Melbourne; but without the services of three men noted for goal-kicking and cleverness in attack, and jaded from the buffeting its men had received in the two previous engagements, Richmond might just as well have sent its second 18 into the field for all the chances it had of defeating South Melbourne, and crowning the victory by being the premier side of 1933.
At its best, Richmond is a little sluggish in attack, though with Doug Strang away from his front, and clever men in Hunter and McConchie lookers-on, it was weakened beyond repair. It has placed reliance upon two rovers all the season, and in breaking in a new man to fill Hunter's position in the most important game of the season, it was expecting too much to succeed. Thus the grand final was in no way a real test of the qualities of the two final teams, thereby causing the greatest football event of the year to be almost commonplace.
Added to those disabilities, and contrary to general expectation, South Melbourne was the heavier body. Both teams averaged 5ft. 10in., in height, and South Melbourne's average weight was just under 12 ½ st., to Richmond's, just under 12st. The southerners were thus the heavier, younger, faster, and more dashing body; and, as they were fresh after their spell, which had been earned on merit, Richmond's ragged display can be understood. It was not that the
winning team played up to premiership form—its goal-kicking efforts being shocking—but that a team with the buoyancy squeezed out of its players was forcing itself to do the impossible. It was a disappointing wind-up to a strenuous season and was won by the most brilliant team of the year.
Record crowd
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Photo sourced from The Age
Such a glorious and thrilling finish had been provided by these two teams in the second semi-final, that it had whetted the appetite of all lovers of the game. For that reason alone they were inordinately pleased that the same two teams were meeting in the final game of all to decide the supremacy. Almost every individual one met during the week prophesied an attendance of 60,000, but that a crowd of 75,754 would be present was not considered possible. How such a number of people fitted into the enclosure is hard to understand. It was thousands too many for comfort, and there were many casualties, the ambulance men being kept busy. The onlookers, in different sections, were swaying dangerously, and many climbed the fence into the playing arena—a risky undertaking.
It was a pity therefore that the match did not warrant the presence and enthusiastic applause of such a huge and sporting assembly, The receipts amounted to £4,070/1/5. In 1931, the aggregate attendance in the finals was 196,858, the money amounting to £9,848! The largest individual attendance of that year was in the grand final, when 60,712 persons attended, contributing £3,110. In 1932 the aggregates were 230,706 and £11,690, There were 69,724 at the grand final, £3,633 being taken at the gates. This season the aggregates are 214,629 and £9,830.
It is good news, indeed, that the ground is to be enlarged. The small portion allotted the trustees is to be used for the benefit of the people and is in no sense a deprivation of their rights. The game is increasing in interest all over the State and has never been more popular, yet there are some misguided persons who claim to be lovers of the national code, anxious and willing to mutilate it and to substitute foreign ingredients. There are wreckers in every walk of life.
Accidents to players
It was unfortunate that neither side was at full strength, as in a match of this description it could not be considered a real test of supremacy when from accidents and other causes recognised members of the teams were enforced onlookers. Richmond entered the field without Doug Strang (suspended), Hunter, and McConchie. Strang is the most difficult of all the full-forwards to stop from marking, as, irrespective of his height and spring, he holds the ball in front instead of over his head, as is the usual custom. There is thus always a danger of a penalty when the full-back springs one-handed, with clenched fist to knock the ball out of his hands.
Hunter is the best forward scout in League ranks. His judgment in picking the vacant spots and position is supreme, he is a two-footed artist and a rare goal scorer. McConchie is a clever little forward, one of the smart brigade, a quality in which the team as a whole is rather deficient. Richmond, even, when fully manned is rather sluggish in attack and the absence of the trio completely upset the combination. Still, it has been a season of surprises, and many expected the impossible by seeing Richmond rise superior to circumstance.
South Melbourne was unfortunate in Ron Hillis, its full-back, had not sufficiently recovered from his injuries to take the field. He and Todd, that wonderful Geelong veteran, are about the two best custodians of the goal in the competition, he is light on his feet, has a beautiful spring, is a great high mark, a good kick, and a champion in this position. The Southern ranks are composed of a versatile body of men," however, and in McKay, they had a worthy representative to fill such an important post.
The play
Both teams were cordially received, though the welcome accorded South Melbourne held a greater volume of sound. The forecast showers failed to materialise, the day being dull and threatening, with a south-east wind. With the exception of the first semi-final between Geelong and Carlton, it was the poorest display in the finals, though the best controlled! Four umpires adjudicated in the series, with Scott's exhibition last Saturday easily the best. He was exceedingly firm in the first half, careful not to let the play get out of hand, yet placed no curb on legitimate vigour or purpose as the game progressed, keeping control all through.
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Above photo sourced from The Age
It was noticeable when the men settled in their places that Baggott was stationed forward. He made his name in that position, though it would bare been more to the purpose if the defence had to be weakened to have placed him in the centre, and utilised Zschech as second rover. However, all the possibilities had, no doubt, been carefully considered, but there was no talent available to impart the necessary strength to the exposed weaknesses. After the red and whites had rattled on three goals Baggott was sent back to his old position, but the change in tactics appeared to unsettle him, as he did not regain his balance until the last term when he was himself again. All sorts of experiments were tried by the Richmond skipper, though it was extremely unfortunate that changes were essential in a grand final.
In the first half, Richmond was distinctly outplayed. The Southerners possessed the life and the swing, and they moved to the attack with a finish and smoothness that completely nonplussed the enemy, which—could scarcely raise a gallop in a football sense. It was only South’s poor kicking for goal that kept Richmond in a measure within striking distance. It was always a Southerner that came away from the packs, its manipulation and dash leaving Richmond practically helpless.
It was doing all the attacking and experienced little trouble in clearing the lines whenever the enemy attacked.
There was neither life nor sparkle in the proceedings, the only team functioning being South Melbourne, which kicked 3-5 to 0-2 at the first change and at the interval led by 6-7 to 2-3. Richmond had no reserve force to call upon, and while thousands of Southern supporters were extremely anxious and nervous at South Melbourne's inaccuracy, there was no occasion for alarm, as human flesh has its limitations, and Richmond was floundering.
The remarkable thing about the game in the second half was that Richmond had as much of the play as the opposition. It had lost the power of striking but could get the ball into the firing zone and goal mouth more often really than the other side. But it could go no farther. There was no man either to receive the ball or keep it there, and the pace, ease, and dash with which either Nash or Austin took the ball away showed Richmond's poverty in attack. South still had the dash and cleverness but was kept in check by grand high marking, in which Dyer, O'Halloran, Murdoch, and Strang were conspicuous. In that second 50 minutes South Melbourne added 3-10 to 2-2, figures that tell their own story. One side could not pierce the defence, with the opposition still off the target. Though the loser never at any stage had a chance of winning, it was remarkable that the successful combination did not at least double its score. The dash and initiative were with the Southerners, while Richmond, soundly defeated in almost every phase of play, hung on grimly. The final scores were: South Melbourne, 9-17; Richmond, 4-5.
In an even combination, with every man pulling his weight, the winner had four absolute champions in Nash and Austin in defence, Nash’s high leaps being features of the play; Thomas (centre), his dash, marking and kicking being superb, and Brain (roving), his handling of the ball, cleverness generally, and pacing being conspicuous. Others who performed meritoriously were Diggins, Reville, Bowe, Bertram, Clarke, and O'Meara. Richmond's best were Dyer, O'Neill, Martin, Murdoch, McCormack, O'Halloran, Strang, and Geddes.
Charity match
There is every reason to expect a large and appreciative crowd at the charity match on October 7 between the carnival team and the side that defeated South Australia. Both combinations are capable, and as fresh faces to those in the finals will be seen many will turn up for a last fond look at their favourites. It is for a grand cause, and a large gathering and good financial return seems assured, given anything like fine weather.
During the interval last Saturday the Brownlow medal was presented to Wilfred Smallhorn, the best and fairest player in League ranks. The presentation was made in the centre of the ground, with the South Melbourne players lining up on one side of the recipient, and Richmond on the other. When the medal was pinned on to his jersey, Smallhorn being in uniform, both teams cheered him heartily. The Fitzroy man is not only a grand little player but a general favourite.
Footnotes
Title: Disappointing display
Author: John Worrall
Publisher: The Australasian (Melbourne, Victoria, 1864-1946)
Date: Saturday, 7 October 1933, p.53 (Article)
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