THE 1970s will go down as one of the great decades in our game’s history. And to celebrate and commemorate a wonderful 10 years of footy, the AFL Record is giving fans the chance to wind back the clock with the release of Great Footy Decades 1970s in digital version.
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It was the decade that produced a host of highlights, big news stories, fabulous marks and goals and even the odd biff.
It kicked off in 1970 with Carlton staging the greatest ever Grand Final comeback, coming from 44 points down at half-time against Collingwood to record a 10-point victory. The highlight of the game was the towering mark taking by Blues star Alex Jesaulenko which produced commentator Mike Williamson’s famous call: "Jesaulenko you beauty!"
Great Footy Decades 1970s, available now on AFL.com.au, the AFL Live Official App, SEN.com.au and the SEN app for $2.99.
The 1970s saw the introduction of colour television and suddenly old black and white shorts turned into shades of bright red and eye-catching blue. The 1970 season also saw the opening of VFL Park, the League’s own ground in Melbourne’s outer east, and the introduction of a final five finals system.
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On the field, there was no shortage of highlights and some lowlights. Malcolm Blight’s monster torpedo after the siren gave North Melbourne a stunning victory over Carlton at Princes Park in 1976 and a 15-year-old kid from Dimboola – Tim Watson – made his debut for the Bombers in 1977.
In 1974 the infamous Windy Hill brawl erupted between Essendon and Richmond as players were walking off at half-time. Then a year later there was the sad sight of Bulldogs recruit Neil Sachse being left a quadriplegic after an on-field accident.
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North Melbourne won its first League premiership in 1975 and under legendary coach Ron Barassi became one of the dominant teams of the decade with stars such as Barry Cable, Sam Kekovich, Ross Glendinning and Blight. The Roos also played in the game’s second ever drawn Grand Final against Collingwood in 1977.
Of course, the 1970s will be remembered for Mike Brady and his iconic footy anthem Up There Cazaly.
Our expert team has selected its Team of the Decade and there are scoreboards and summaries of every Grand Final from the 1970s.
