The 1973 VFL Grand Final was an Australian rules football game contested between Carlton and Richmond at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 29 September 1973.

This was the second consecutive year in which the two teams met in the premiership decider, with Carlton having won the 1972 VFL Grand Final by 27 points in a memorable high-scoring affair.

Tempers at times threatened to boil over, with several fiery clashes breaking out across the field, one notable exchange between Walsh and Crosswell captured on camera.

With both forward lines struggling, it was Sheedy, who had been named on the half-forward flank, whose three goals for the quarter helped the Tigers capitalize on their work in the ruck and around the packs.

His long kick to the half-forward line was eventually gathered by McKay, whose quick snap out of a pack sailed through to bring the margin back to six points.

Carlton hit back with goals to David McKay and Kevin Hall before big Richmond forward Neil Balme left his mark on the game.

[7] Carlton were still in the match until the time-on period of the second quarter, when Richmond took control – through goals to Bartlett, captain Royce Hart, Balme, Roberts and Ian Stewart – to lead at the main break by 26 points.

Shortly afterward, Phillip Pinnell, who had been doing well in defence, suddenly broke down with severe cramp, and hobbled to the forward pocket, further adding to Carlton's woes.

[7] Richmond's defense, led by Francis Bourke and Dick Clay, managed to restrict the Blues to just two goals for the quarter – one each to Chandler and Walls.

Richmond steadied after Tom Hafey replaced Noel Carter with Kevin Morris, and when Balme kicked truly before being substituted for Craig McKellar, the contest was effectively over.

Kevin Sheedy's three goals in the first quarter were pivotal in helping the Tigers get a solid start, and he continued to be constructive throughout the match, ending up with 16 kicks and 7 handpasses.

Michael Green shrugged off concerns over his lead-up form to assist Brian Roberts in subduing Carlton ruckman "Percy" Jones, and starred all around the ground, taking 8 marks and kicking a goal.

[8]Richmond would go on to win successive premierships for the second time in the club's history, defeating North Melbourne in the 1974 VFL Grand Final and cementing Tom Hafey's reputation as one of the all-time great VFL/AFL coaches.