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
The Demons stamped their authority as shock premiership contenders with a slashing victory over the reigning champions on a sunny day at the MCG. There were concerns that a third game in 12 days would affect the Demons, but six goals to two in the opening quarter gave them a match winning advantage. Jeff Farmer made a mockery of the Crows and his wildcard opponent Andrew McLeod by kicking three goals in the first quarter, and 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.
The forwards - Neitz, Schwarz, Lyon and Farmer - were at their dominant best and the Crows had no answers. Neitz and Farmer had booted five each against Richmond in Round 22 and they 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 Demons fans were in disbelief at the way their side - wooden spooners less than a year earlier - was playing.
Melbourne's record improved to 6-0 when Neitz, Schwarz and Lyon all played.
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, 06/09/1998
Football Record 1998 finals