Longest premiership droughts in the AFL and major Australian sporting codes
Melbourne will be looking to win its first premiership in 57 years and shake off an unwanted piece of Australian sporting history.
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Melbourne is aiming to break the longest premiership drought of any AFL club when they take on the Western Bulldogs in Saturday’s grand final in Perth.
The Demons haven’t won a flag since 1964 when the legendary Ron Barassi was captain and Norm Smith was coach. That was 57 years ago.
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Smith was famously sacked midway through the 1965 season when the Dees were reigning premiers, sparking the so-called premiership “curse of Norm Smith”.
After Melbourne, the next longest drought belongs to St Kilda, who last won a premiership way back in 1966 — 55 years ago.
Fremantle hasn’t won the competition since it joined the AFL 26 years ago in 1995, which is the same year Carlton was last victorious.
Adelaide’s premiership drought is 23 years long, North Melbourne’s is 22 years long, while GWS and the Gold Coast haven’t won a grand final during their short time in the AFL.
Longest rugby league (NRL) premiership drought
Parramatta has the longest premiership drought out of any NRL team, stretching back to 1986 when the legendary Peter Sterling was running around in the club’s heyday.
Longest Australian rugby union (Super Rugby) premiership drought
Out of the three Australia teams who have won the Super Rugby competition, the longest drought belongs to the ACT Brumbies, who last won in 2004.
Neither the Western Force or Melbourne Rebels have won a Super Rugby title.
Longest football (A-League) premiership drought
In the A-League’s relatively short history, six of the eight foundation clubs have won premierships.
The longest drought belongs to the Newcastle Jets, who last lifted the trophy after the 2007/08 season.
Originally published as Longest premiership droughts in the AFL and major Australian sporting codes
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