Almost 18 years have passed since North and the Bulldogs faced off in a top-of-the-table clash.

It was Round 22, 1998, and more than 68,000 fans packed into the MCG to witness a classic.

Amazingly, it was the game that would decide the minor premier for the season. Just 0.3 per cent separated the sides going in; the smallest margin between the top two teams since 1944.

While all eyes will be on the forwards this week with Stringer and Dahlhaus at one end and Waite, Petrie and Brown at the other. Back in 98’, it was Wayne Carey and Chris Grant trading blows.

Carey finished with 19 disposals and four goals and Grant had 20 and four goals.

But the match-winner was none other than 20-year-old Brent Harvey.

In just game 38, little Boomer snapped the match-winner as North saluted by five points.

PRESS PLAY above to watch the match highlights | YouTube

In his 414th appearance, Harvey could be just as influential as he was 376 games ago.

He’s the only player still running around from that game, with Brad Johnson having retired back in 2010.

Even Boomer was just a kid the last time North won its first six matches though – a feat it will be hoping to achieve again against the Bulldogs.

Back in 1979, Ron Barassi led the Roos to seven straight wins to start the season.

With five goals from Malcolm Blight, North won its top-of-the-table clash against Carlton to take the number one spot for the only time that year.

The previous year, North won its first eight games, and in 1959 its first six.

Outside of that, 2016 has brought about the Roos’ best ever start to a home and away campaign.

A win on Friday night, and it’ll be the first time since 1996 they’ve held top spot after six rounds.