any week would see them eliminated). The MCG finals contract was also renegotiated, with only the grand final to be committed to the MCG, freeing up higher ranked teams to be able to host finals matches in their home state should they be entitled to. This came after 2004, when the Brisbane Lions were forced to play a home Preliminary Final at the MCG, instead of the Gabba before losing the grand final to the Port Adelaide Football Club. This finals system has been in place ever since, with only two teams reaching the grand final from below fourth position since 2000. The Western Bulldogs in 2016 made the grand final after finishing seventh on the ladder, yet did so without losing any finals and ultimately went on to win the premiership. qualified for the 2019 grand final after finishing in sixth position. The Western Bulldogs qualified in 2021 after finishing in fifth position. Their second time doing this and first time without a pre-finals bye. See also 1999 AFL season References 1999 Grand Final Report External links Match Stats VFL/AFL Grand Finals North Melbourne Football Club Carlton Football Club 1999 Australian Football League season Afl Grand Final, 1999