MCC Sporting Section, the Melbourne Football Club (MFC), has capped off a remarkable 2021, claiming the AFL premiership in Perth on the weekend.
The historic win saw the Demons claim their first premiership since 1964 after many years of heartache for the passionate fan-base.Starting the season in fine form, the Demons were undefeated throughout the first nine rounds, establishing a stranglehold in the top two alongside would-be runners-up, the Western Bulldogs.
Finishing the season with 17 wins and one draw, the Demons claimed the minor premiership for the first time since the successful 1964 season.
Although the Demons couldn’t celebrate their drought-breaking premiership in front of a cheering Members’ Reserve at the MCG, the Demons faithful still showed their support for their team from home.
A comprehensive 74-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final saw the Demons claim the elusive premiership in the first Grand Final appearance in over 20 years.
Leading 29-8 at quarter-time, a small hiccup in the second quarter saw the Bulldogs reverse the standings and lead by eight points at the main break.
The second half however belonged to Melbourne. Scoring 16 goals to the Dog’s three in the second half cemented the young Melbourne team in football folklore, breaking the so-called ‘Norm Smith curse’ and winning the match 21.14 (140) to 10.6 (66).
Bayley Fritsch led the goal scoring with six goals for the game, while Christian Petracca’s record-equaling 39 disposals coupled with his two goals earnt him the coveted Norm Smith Medal for best player of the match.
The Melbourne Football Club and Melbourne Cricket Club have shared a long history. From drafting the rules of Australian Rules Football together, which were used as the basis for the current game we know and love, to becoming a part of the MCC family.
The MCC and MFC did not officially become affiliated until late 1889, when the two clubs agreed to form a joint sub-committee, and in 1890, the MFC mooted an affiliation with the MCC. A new member of the MCC’s Sporting Sections was formed, joining the already-formed cricket, baseball, bowls, croquet and tennis sections.
The two Clubs remained intertwined for the next 90 years, enjoying the MFC’s most successful periods in the 1950s and 1960 together, as well as the Club’s 12 premierships.
The two Clubs opted to separate in 1980, before reuniting in 2009, with the football club rejoining Sporting Section ranks once more, a status it still holds in the MCC to this day.
MCC President and passionate Dees fan, Michael Happell, said he was looking forward to celebrating Melbourne’s victory back at the MCG when COVID-19 restrictions permit.
“As a passionate Melbourne fan, I share in the feeling of a lot of our members and fellow supporters at the moment – that of agony and ecstasy. Agony, that the game couldn’t be here at the ‘G in front of passionate Victorian fans, but also just pure joy that the team realized the dream of a flag and will return home with a new trophy for the cabinet,” Mr Happell said.
“I was four years old when the Dees last won their premiership, and I’ve seen two losing Grand Finals, and I’m just so over-the-moon with the performance of the team over the weekend.
“I can’t wait to celebrate with all our members when we can get back together again, and of course seeing the premiership flag unfurled in the 2022 AFL season.
“On behalf of the members of the Melbourne Cricket Club, I would like to congratulate the Melbourne Football Club on claiming the 2021 premiership and on such an awesome display in the Grand Final,” he said.
Image: Michael Wilson/AFL Photos via Getty Images