It was the 16th annual grand final of the Victorian Football League, staged to determine the premiers for the 1913 VFL season.

The match, attended by 59,556 spectators, was won by Fitzroy by a margin of 13 points, marking that club's fifth premiership victory.

It was St Kilda's first ever grand final appearance and they struggled early, not kicking a goal until the third quarter.

A last quarter burst from St Kilda had them within two points when George Morrissey goaled.

A mark to Des Baird looked like giving the Saints the lead but he handpassed it to Morrissey who was covered by his opponent and he could only kick a behind.