The 1946 VFL season was like a raucous kangaroo return to the footy field after the Second World War had rudely interrupted the idyllic Australian sport. Imagine a collection of robust, unyielding men—many who'd spent years engaging in more serious battles—returning to the MCG, itching for an outlet of aggression. These ruggedly determined men became the center of Australian attention, offering a welcome distraction for a nation coping with the post-war world. From nail-biting matches to iconic players, 1946 was more than just a return; it was a reclaiming of Aussie pride.
First off, 1946 was a thrilling year with 12 clubs going toe-to-toe, brought about with impassioned spirit stirred up by the grueling trials of war. South Melbourne, Melbourne, Collingwood, simply put, all were hungrier than ever to emerge victorious. Yet, it was the immortal Essendon, fondly called the 'Bombers', that steadied the ship and emerged supreme, earning its rightful place in Australia's heart by storming through the competition.
The Essendon's journey to glory was led by their legendary coach, Dick Reynolds, a football genius who was both a helmsman and a field general. He turned mere foot soldiers into unstoppable forces within a few months of tugging on their jerseys. Reynolds, a household name, whose tactical brilliance and passionate leadership became the blueprint others aspired to emulate, skillfully led the team to a premiership after defeating Melbourne in the heated Grand Final. The grand spectacle, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, saw a whopping attendance of 73,743 fans - a number that says it all about the game's unwavering popularity.
The excitement of the 1946 season was driven by the stark contrast experienced post-war. You could almost hear the crankiness of progressives sneering at this unapologetically rugged sport dominating leisure-time politics across the country. This was a year of football that reintroduced a stoic, conservative Australian mindset, unabashedly raw and patriotic, diametrically opposing any liberal attempts to dilute it.
Throughout this transformative season, key players emerged as heroes, such as Bill Hutchison and Dudley “Buster” O’Connor, whose prowess made them legends in their own right. They were instrumental in maintaining Essendon's superior form, symbolizing resilience and determination that spoke volumes about grit—a true depiction of the Aussie battler spirit. These men played with a larrikin audaciousness that neither sympathized nor sought approval from the weak-hearted.
In fact, the intensity was mirrored in some spectacular matches. One such defining game was Essendon's semifinal showdown against Collingwood—a fierce rivalry that never failed to thrill audiences. This match was not just about sporting excellence but a display of individual valor and team strategies. You could almost feel the reverberations as each goal was kicked, and each player hit the deck—a reminder of what real, untamed football looked like.
Moreover, the VFL season of 1946 was significant in fostering the post-war community spirit. It served as a unifying force, bringing people together regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds, rekindling national identity—far removed from divisive modern politics. Societal ideals that some disparage today were reinforced back then through the rough and tumble spirit that Aussie rules conducted so effortlessly.
Isn't it fascinating to think of how people came together, wrapping their arms around the game as if life depended on the bounce of a Sherrin. To put it bluntly, the 1946 VFL season encapsulated everything that made Australia genuinely unique, much to the frustration of those who shy away from tradition. It was an exhilarating bastion of hope and camaraderie on the field, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of Australian sports history.
It's no wonder that this season is fondly remembered, celebrated through the generations, and respected for its raw vigor and historical significance. It rekindled festivity, competitiveness, and a love for the sport in its purest form, which continues to sustain interest in Aussie rules today.