This was the first premiership after three losing Grand Finals between 1951 and 1959.
The Bombers finished on top after the home and away season with 16 wins - two ahead of Geelong.
They then then easily accounted for the Cats in the second semi-final, before leading Carlton at every change in the Grand Final to win by 32 points.
It was the first flag for new coach John Coleman, who had taken over from Dick Reynolds, and it added a third premiership to his two as a player.
It was the first time Essendon was presented with a premiership cup which had been introduced by the VFL in 1958.
Essendon 6.5 7.7 10.10 13.12 (90)
Carlton 1.1 5.6 7.8 8.10 (58)
Best: Clarke, Mitchell, Birt, Leek, Epis, Beissel
Goals: Birt 4, Clarke 2, Mitchell 2, C. Payne 2, Leek, Johnston, Timms
Team
B: D. Shaw, P. Doran, D. McKenzie
HB: A. Epis, I. Shelton, B. Davis
C: R. Blew, G. Beissel, B. Capuano
HF: G. Johnston, K. Fraser, J. Somerville
F: K. Timms, C. Payne, J. Birt
R: G. Leek, H. Mitchell, J. Clarke
I: B. Sampson, G. Gosper
Coach: John Coleman
Captain: Jack Clarke
Honours
Best and fairest: Jack Clarke
Leading goalkicker: Charlie Payne (39)