North faced the Bulldogs in the final round of 1998 with top spot on the line at the MCG. A crowd of 68,050 - a record for matches involving the two clubs - was treated to a clash many called the 'game of the season'.

Earlier that year, it appeared North had the game won before a stunning eight-goal final quarter by the Bulldogs. On that day Wayne Carey and Chris Grant kicked four goals apiece and their battle continued in their second encounter.

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North started out slowly and trailed by almost four goals at half-time, however the first three goals of the second half brought it back to virtually level pegging and the game's momentum swung back and forth for the rest of the night.

Brent Harvey, enjoying a breakout season playing in a forward pocket, was a menace for the defenders. Despite only seven possessions, he kicked three goals.

In Martin Pike's 100th game, there were five lead changes in the final quarter alone with 12 goals kicked. Carey booted a big goal at one end, only for Chris Grant to respond and it appeared the Bulldogs had the Roos’ measure.

Still pressing, North was down by just six points late when Robert Scott showed tremendous courage to go back with the flight of the ball. Copping a heavy hit from James Cook, Scott was awarded with a 50 metre penalty and leveled the scores from his subsequent shot on goal.

It was the catalyst North needed as it pushed forward again. From a Carey shot on goal that fell just short, Harvey crumbed and snapped truly for what proved to be the match-winning goal.

North finished top of the ladder and defeated Essendon and Melbourne to progress to its second Grand Final in three seasons.

North Melbourne 2.3.15, 5.4.34, 10.8.68, 17.11.113
Western Bulldogs 4.6.30, 8.8.56, 11.10.76, 16.12.108

Goals
North Melbourne: Carey 4, Harvey 3, McKernan 2, Blakey 1, Capuano 1, Freeborn 1, Grant 1, Pike 1, Scott 1, Sholl 1, Stevens 1
Western Bulldogs: Grant 4, Hudson 4, Cameron 2, Cook 1, Dimattina 1, Kolynuik 1, Martin 1, Romero 1, Smith 1

Brownlow Medal
3 - Anthony Stevens (NM), 2 - Scott Wynd (WB), 1 - Glenn Archer (NM)