Carlton Football Club 1981 Premiers

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Carlton’s 1981 Premiership win, Sherrin is turning back the clock and reminiscing on premierships of the past.

The 1981 VFL Grand Final, was fought between rivals Carlton and Collingwood, who finished 1st and 2nd respectively on the ladder at the end of the home and away season, with 17 wins apiece. It was a rematch of the 1979 Grand Final, where both of these teams previously faced off in the Grand Final, with Carlton claiming the win by 5 points, further fueling the rivalry between these two teams.

Saturday 26th September 1981. The last Saturday in September. This is what it all comes down to. It was a tight contest, with the Blues taking a one-point lead at half-time. As expected, the Pies came out firing in the third quarter, kicking 5 goals late in the term to have a 9-point lead at the final break. Carlton continued to handle the pressure and found a way to take it up a level, running away with a 20-point lead at the final siren, taking their second flag in three years and their 13th premiership.

Fitzpatrick, Doull, Ashman, Sheldon, Glascott, Buckley and Marcou. These are just some of the names who helped secure victory for the Blues, along with coach, David Parkin. Doull was rewarded for a stellar performance, winning the Norm Smith Medal for the best on ground.

Featuring all the key stats, including the Premiership team, date and final score, crowd attendance, Norm Smith Medallist, best of ground players and goal scorers, as well as the logos from the era, celebrate one of Carlton’s most successful eras with our retrospective 1981 Premiership Football - a must for any Blues fan!

These limited release balls are now available online at sherrin.com.au