1945 VFL grand final

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The 1945 VFL Grand Final was played between Carlton and South Melbourne at Princes Park, Melbourne, on 29 September 1945. Carlton won by 28 points, 15.13 (103) to 10.15 (75), in front of 62,986 spectators. It was Carlton’s seventh premiership and the first grand final in peacetime since 1938. The match became famous for its rough play and several fights, earning it the nickname “Bloodbath.” Nine players were reported, and seven were suspended.

The grand final was held during a time of postwar adjustment. Melbourne’s main stadiums were still in use for military purposes, so the game was staged at Carlton’s home ground, Princes Park, which had its capacity expanded for the occasion. South Melbourne had finished the season as minor premiers, while Carlton had surged into the finals after a poor start to the year.

From the start, the game was a contest marked by physical play and disrupted flow. Carlton led early and stayed in front, with South Melbourne fighting back at various points, often using a quicker, less congested style on the wide wings. The match featured several melees and reports of rough conduct that drew attention from officials and the media.

A major melee occurred in the third quarter, drawing police onto the field to help restore order. Despite the violence, Carlton maintained its composure and extended its lead late in the game. The finish saw Carlton clear at 28 points, securing the premiership in a tough, physically brutal encounter.

Carlton’s win was supported by strong defensive work, with full-back Vin Brown highlighted for his steadiness in repelling South Melbourne’s attacks. For South Melbourne, Ted Whitfield was among the better contributors on the day. The game’s rough nature dominated headlines, leading to widespread discussion about how to curb violence in the sport.

In the days after the match, the VFL tribunal dealt with the suspensions arising from the game. Fred Fitzgibbon of Carlton, who had previously been suspended in a semifinal, was given a further four-match ban after taking part in the melee. The match was widely criticized for its violence, though umpires and officials were praised for keeping the play under control as much as possible. The 1945 final left a lasting impression as one of the league’s most infamous games, cementing its Bloodbath nickname in football history.