Melbourne lay a 57-year curse to rest with Grand Final win

It is Melbourne’s first premiership since 1964 and 13th overall,

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Simon Goodwin, Senior Coach of the Demons and Max Gawn of the Demons hold the cup aloft during the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne have consigned a 57-year AFL premiership drought to history after orchestrating a remarkable second-half turnaround to thrash the Western Bulldogs by 74 points in Saturday’s grand final.

Led by Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca and fellow standout Bayley Fritsch, the Demons rallied from behind in the third term, kicking 16 of the last 17 goals en route to finishing 21.14 (140) – 10.6 (66) and sealing their first flag since 1964.