When you make your way through the story of Melbourne’s 1960 season, there’s a certain energy and enthusiasm that comes through, doubtless the result of the Club’s eleventh VFL premiership, and with the natural confidence of an era of success.

‘It could briefly be summarised as a completely successful year, culminating in the winning of another Premiership, but that would be unfair to the splendid band of young men at present wearing our colours with such distinction. 

When our team took the field in the 1960 Grand Final on September 24th last, they made new Victorian Football League history, for no other team has ever had the great record of participating in seven successive Grand Finals.’

The home and away season was one of dominance for Melbourne, with fourteen wins and four losses.  But, even with the flag to their credit, the mission was ongoing.  Summer training was instituted, particularly utilising the expertise of Frank Adams in his role as Australian professional sprint champion in an endeavour to assist with balanced running and sprinting.

‘It is indicative of the keenness of our lads that within seven weeks of the Grand Final they are preparing for the season to come.’

The personnel of the side were formidable, from Chairman Albert Chadwick, through to Norm Smith as coach, and, of course, Ron Barassi as captain.

‘Ron Barassi, in his first year as Captain of Melbourne, had the distinction of leading the team to a Premiership win.  Throughout the year he displayed the qualities that are now part of the present Melbourne tradition - Determination, Endeavour and Courage - backed up by exceptional ability.  His game in the Grand Final was an inspiring one, his self-control and single-mindedness of purpose were an object lesson for him team-mates, who were quick to follow his example.’

Complemented by the efforts of vice captain, John Beckwith, the Melbourne outfit combined skills and achievements to reach the heights on both a team and individual basis.

‘The winner of the Best and Fairest award for Season 1960 was our brilliant wingman, Brian Dixon.  This player has steadily improved his football each year, and during the 1960 season was rarely, if ever, beaten.  His strength in the air and his clever ball handling make him a difficult opponent. 

An ideal build for a winger, he should continue to improve and will be hard to defeat for this award next season.’

Close behind Dixon was Ian Ridley, like Dixon one of Melbourne’s most admired and tenacious players.

‘Ian Ridley was runner-up best and fairest to Brian Dixon, and the announcement of this award was received with enthusiasm by all.  This grand little player is most popular with his team-mates, and his never-say-die spirit, his skill and courage, make him a most valuable member of our team.’

It was, of course, all about the team, and tribute was paid to the off-field contributions of many - League Delegates, the Committee of Management, Social Committee, Training Staff, Donors and the Selection Committee. 

Sadly, this last group had lost one of its stalwarts, part of the group that had worked so hard to build the team, with the death pre-season of Ivor Warne-Smith.

But, all in all, the achievement of Season 1960 served as tribute to all generations of Melbourne, and exemplified the close links between all red and blue.  As the story was told, it was a triumph reached through hard work, dedication, and a great deal of belief.

‘It has been said that the sporting competition which prevails in the V.F.L. is so fiercely competitive, and so keen in its administration, that it is the top sporting event in our Commonwealth. 

It is agreed that only a first class team can win this great contest because of the strenuous efforts of its opponents in the fight for the Flag, and yet we have had the great honour of participating in the last seven Grand Finals, and during that time won no less than five Premierships.’

Melbourne - Premiers 1960.
24 September 1960, MCG, Grand Final.
Melbourne 8.14.62 defeated Collingwood 2.2.14.