Two late goals from Drew Petrie have given North Melbourne a stunning 12-point comeback victory over Essendon in a pulsating elimination final.
Petrie's two goals in the final five minutes were the difference, with the Kangaroos winning 14.9 (93) to 12.9 (81).
While emerging forwards Ben Brown and Joe Daniher had previously dominated with four goals each, it took Petrie just 60 seconds to become a match winner.
The tense victory earns North Melbourne a date with Geelong in next Friday's semi-final and ends Essendon's season and the coaching career of Mark Thompson.
Thompson will make way for returning coach James Hird next season, whose task of reviewing this MCG classic will not make pleasant viewing.
The Bombers built a 33-point lead early in the third term and looked for all the world like winners.
After a tight first quarter, North Melbourne fell asleep, registering just a rushed behind in the second.
Bereft of confidence, the Kangaroos submitted to the Bombers' relentless tackling pressure and strong clearance work.
With Michael Hurley supreme in defence, Jobe Watson's grunt work and Dyson Heppell's run had Essendon right on top.
But Brown's third-quarter heroics laid the platform for a stirring comeback that will live long in the memory.
Brown kicked three as North Melbourne kicked five straight in 10 electric minutes.
The Kangaroos were a changed team, with Daniel Wells a creative force and Lindsay Thomas joining in the fun with two goals.
Essendon responded to maintain their lead, three times kicking goals to keep the Kangaroos at bay.
Tom Bellchambers' bomb on the third-quarter siren re-established Essendon's nine-point lead and set the stage for a titanic last quarter.
Just as Brown had affirmed North Melbourne's challenge with his fourth goal, Daniher responded with a fine mark and goal from the boundary.
Jason Winderlich's high lunge allowed Thomas to give the Kangaroos their first lead of the night with 13 minutes remaining.
It was Essendon's turn to squirm, trailing with five minutes remaining.
Enter Petrie, who was kept quiet for the rest of the evening but stood tall to prove the difference in front of 78,559 people.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott was already looking forward to playing the Cats next week.
"I'm just elated for our players and our club," he said.
Levi Greenwood's last quarter was one for the ages, with 15 touches as the Kangaroos took control.
"He was outstanding again," Scott said.
"The midfield as a unit worked really well tonight when we needed players to step up."
Thompson said his side needed to improve their consistency to win a final next season.
"Played a good first half didn't we ... we just couldn't stay on the job," he said.
"A disappointing way to finish."
He declined to give an answer on his own future, beyond ruling out staying in a senior coaching role at Essendon.
"It's sad to finish. I'm bitterly upset," Thompson said.
"I feel a bit sad for myself, everyone at the club."
Early in the season, Thompson was adamant he did not want this to be a "gap season" while Hird served his 12-month suspension from the AFL.
"We haven't had a gap year, we've had a decent year," he said.
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