In the 1997 ARL season, Ikin made 22 appearances as Norths again reached another preliminary final but were defeated 17-12 at the Sydney Football Stadium by the Newcastle Knights. With less than five minutes to play, the scores were locked at 12-12 after Norths player Michael Buettner scored a try. Norths player Jason Taylor then had the chance at kicking the goal which would send Norths into their first grand final since 1943. Taylor who was a reliable goal kicker missed his conversion attempt. Newcastle then kicked a field goal through Matthew Johns and scored a try on the final siren to win the match.