The match, attended by 96,862 spectators, was won by Essendon by a margin of 44 points, marking that club's 15th premiership victory.

The Bombers charged home in the second half in that game, kicking 11 goals to 2 to win by 11 points, advancing to the grand final.

In the week leading up to the Grand final, Essendon's Gavin Wanganeen was awarded the Brownlow Medal.

Carlton entered the grand final as warm favourites, even though Essendon finished on top with a percentage margin of 1.5 against the Blues.

[1] Carlton were forced to make a late change when veteran defender Peter Dean was ruled out through injury.

Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy put Dean Wallis and Mark Harvey into the side at the expense of Kickett and David Flood.