AFL: 7 Most Memorable Fights Of All Time

1. Carlton vs South Melbourne - 1945 VFL Grand Final

The 1945 VFL Grand, played in wet and muddy conditions is better known by it's nickname, "The Bloodbath Grand Final". The final was notorious for breakouts of violence during the game, and the uncontrollable nature of the fights. Carlton, who finished 4th and scraped into the finals, were not expected to trouble either of the heavy weights of the season in South Melbourne and arch-rival Collingwood. Even after beating the more fancied Magpies in a violent affair, Carlton were still very much the overwhelming underdog, with the skills and pace of South Melbourne. Carlton got the jump in the first quarter, and was leading by 11 points at the first break, mainly due to South Melbourne's inaccurate kicking. However, South Melbourne kicked the first two goals of the second quarter to pick up the lead. This seemed to rock Carlton captain, Bob Chitty, into action. Chitty was reportedly told by coach Percy Bentley at half time to "remove the kid gloves if things get desperate" at quarter time. Chitty laid out young South Melbourne player Ron Clegg, who was hit so hard when he got up to take his kick, he was going the wrong way. Needless to say, the attack on Clegg was not taken lightly by his South Melbourne team mates, and the ensuing brawl seemed to be an indication of that the game held in store. The umpire on the day F. Spokes, tried desperately to calm the players down, even going as far as sitting on the ball and taking down all the names of the players involved in a vain effort to report the players who were involved in the brawl. On the resumption of play, several violent incidents marred the encounter, which erupted after Carlton Centre Half Forward, Ken Hands, had been knocked out cold behind play when the ball was being relayed back to the centre after a goal. This sparked a further round of brawls which was only stopped by the half time siren with Carlton up by 2 points. During the half time break, the skies opened up and sent buckets of rain onto the ground, turning the oval into a glorified mud pit. When the teams returned from the major break, it was Carlton that had turned up to play, with many Souths players still incensed over Chitty's hit on Clegg and were determined to finish the Carlton captain's night. While Chitty waged war against the South Melbourne team by himself, the rest of the Carlton side focused on the game, and skipped away to a 23 point lead by the end of the half, by which point Chitty was carrying a broken foot, and was bleeding from his legs, arms and head. The final quarter saw a desperate Carlton side fighting to stop South Melbourne from using the breeze to run over the top of them, including a determined Chitty whose disregard for his own health finally caught up to him as he was flattened by Laurie Nash. Despite an obvious concussion and other injuries, Chitty shook off the trainers and the ambulance and made his way to the forward pocket. Somehow the ball had found his way to Chitty, who miraculously was still on his feet, managed to slot the goal that ended the game as a contest. But while the game was over, the battle didn't stop. Clegg was laid out a second time in the contest, followed shortly after by Carlton Jim Mooring. Carlton kicked another goal to well and truly put the game beyond doubt which ignited another brawl, this time involving not only the players, but also the police and spectators. Carlton got up in what is recognized as the bloodiest and dirtiest grand final ever, with 10 players, 4 from Carlton, 6 from South Melbourne ending up being reported, South Melbourne's Ted Whitfield was served with the longest suspension, copping a 21 game suspension for a variety of different charges. What were your most memorable violent moments in AFL history? Share your picks below in the comments.