50 Year Celebration of the 1962 Premiership Win

John Coleman was appointed as coach in 1961 and following a middle of the list performance in that year, it was generally felt that John would need another year to develop the team to a highly competitive level. However, in a sensational burst of football power, Essendon started the 1962 season in a blaze of glory and continued on their winning way right through the season losing only two games and finishing on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season.

Essendon played against Geelong in the Second Semi Final and finished up winning the game by 46 points, 14.21 to 7.17.

The team was very frustrated the following week when Geelong and Carlton, who had won the First Semi Final against Melbourne, drew in the Preliminary Final, and had to replay the game the following week. To assist in the preparation for the Grand Final, the Melbourne Football Club agreed to play the team in a practice match on the morning of the Preliminary Final replay, which was greatly appreciated by the club. Carlton just managed to beat Geelong by 5 points in the replay to advance to the Grand Final.

On Grand Final day, in front of a crowd of 98,385, Essendon got away to a good start and maintained a lead over Carlton all day and finished up winning the game by 32 points, 13.12 to 8.10. Carlton put up a good fight but due to their strenuous finals run, they were never able to challenge the Bomber’s superiority.

The Premiership Team was made up as follows:

Best Players in the game were: Jack Clarke, Hugh Mitchell, John Birt, Geoff Leek, Alec Epis, Graeme Beissel, Barry Davis, David Shaw and Barry Capuano.

Unfortunately for Terry Rodgers, after playing 16 games during the season, he missed playing in the Grand Final due to a leg injury incurred in the practice match against Melbourne.

Geoff Leek was also a doubtful starter due to an ankle injury incurred at training, and was forced to take a fitness test just prior to the game. He was asked to kick a medicine ball as hard as possible, and after three attempts convinced the coach and selectors that he was fit enough to play. It was not until the next week that the players, coach and selectors became aware, from Geoff himself, that he had used his non injured leg to kick the medicine ball to pass the fitness test. He played a great game in what was the last game he played with the club.

Click Here to read an inspirational poem by Ken Fraser (played in the 1962 Team)

Archived Premiership Articles

1. 1897 Premiership (1st)
2. 1901 Premiership (2nd)