Qualifying Final, 1998
Melbourne vs Adelaide
Saturday 5 September
Venue: MCG
Attendance: 60,817
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 6.6 | 9.8 | 16.9 | 17.13.115 |
| Adelaide | 2.2 | 4.4 | 7.8 | 9.13.67 |
Melbourne win by 48 points
Goalkickers: Jeff Farmer 6, David Neitz 6, Garry Lyon 2, Andrew Leoncelli 1, David Schwarz 1, Jeff White 1
Best and Fairest (1998 season guide lists Ingerson twice)
39 - Anthony Ingerson
32 - Jeff White
31 - David Neitz
30 - Todd Viney
26 - Anthony Ingerson
Milestones:
Nil
In their third game within 12 days, Melbourne showed themselves as a potential premiership contender by beating the reigning premiers. They started with six goals to two in the opening quarter, with Jeff Farmer contributing three against surprise opponent. While Adelaide got back into the game before half time they couldn't get closer than 22 points. With Tony Modra well held by Jamie Shanahan, the Crows lacked attacking power to reduce the margin further.
Forwards Neitz, Schwarz, Lyon and Farmer were the difference. The win improved Melbourne's record to 6-0 when Neitz, Schwarz, and Lyon all played. Neitz and Farmer booted five each against Richmond in Round 22 and they both went one better. Jeff White was also amongst the best, as he smashed Shaun Rehn. Anthony Ingerson was also dominant in defence. Midway through the third quarter the margin was out to 51 points, and Melbourne coasted to victory. Melbourne shortened to third favourite for the premiership
Neale Daniher said "It was a terrific day for the Melbourne Football Club against a quality team, last year's premiers, who were coming into some form. We have a fairly potent forward line and if we get it up there, our opponent might hold one or two of them, but can they hold four?"
Best were White, Farmer and Neitz.
Media
Age - 31/08/1998, 04/09/1998, 05/09/1998, 06/09/1998, 07/09/1998
Football Record 1998 finals