In scenes reminiscent of their classic 2001 encounter, Essendon and North Melbourne went toe-to-toe in a good old fashioned shoot-out at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Bombers took a 20-point lead into the main break, with the end-to-end action on offer allowing fans to forget all about the ongoing discussion around the 'state of the game'.
The match featured the highest scoring first quarter (82 points) since 2013 and first half (148 points) since 2009.
Fans at the ground and at home couldn't get enough of the frenetic pace, with plenty of exciting moments making for a long highlight reel.
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This is one of the best games I’ve seen in many a year. #AFLDonsNorth
— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) July 1, 2018
This might be the best game of footy I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable #AFLDonsNorth
— Rohan Bewick (@rbewick8) July 1, 2018
McKernan flies!#AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/11DYZ1FinK
— AFL (@AFL) July 1, 2018
Jeez I wish footy looked like this every week! #afldonsnorth
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) July 1, 2018
How about that from Jack Ziebell!#AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/FhudgZxk3t
— AFL (@AFL) July 1, 2018
The two coaches have surely met prior to the game and agreed on not playing any defense at all #AFLDonsNorth
— Nick Turner (@nickturner_11) July 1, 2018
Waiting for the third quarter #AFLDonsNorth #DonTheSash pic.twitter.com/UsyiOaAA5B
— Dylan (@_DylanM) July 1, 2018
This game is something else!
— AFL (@AFL) July 1, 2018
McKernan's got three for the quarter! #AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/9wE4oyaNov
The big names for both teams were stepping up in the key moments, with Zach Merrett, Orazio Fantasia and Jake Stringer doing the damage for Essendon.
Maligned key forward Shaun McKernan also got in on the act, booting three goals in the second term.
For the Roos, Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington were the main men, collecting 19 and 17 touches respectively in the first half.
Mason Wood chipped with three goals of his own.
"THIS IS NUTS!" #AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/jEukXQDeyu
— AFL (@AFL) July 1, 2018
After going at it for more than an hour of hectic footy, neither side wanted to give an inch at the break, with umpires powerless to stop the melee that broke out on the siren.
There is NO love lost between these two teams.
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 1, 2018
The Bombers lead by 20 points after the highest scoring half of footy since 2009. #AFLDonsNorth pic.twitter.com/lHkHqOF3yM
Whatever the result, those criticising the game will have something to answer for after that half of football.
In fact, round 15 has arguably showcased the best football all season.
Richmond beat Sydney in a thrilling top of the table encounter on Thursday night, The Bulldogs and Geelong both cracked the ton as Harry Taylor missed a kick after the siren to win it for the Cats, while St Kilda held off the fast-finishing Melbourne in another high-scoring clash.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley shared his views on the matter.
So glad we made those rule changes. Wait what?
— Nathan Buckley (@ncb_cfc) July 1, 2018
