A Cale Hooker goal in the final 30 seconds has snatched the unlikeliest victory for Essendon in a controversial finish over the GIANTS at Marvel Stadium.
Trailing by 19 points early in the final term, the Bombers kicked five of the final six goals to salute 12.5 (77) to 10.11 (71) and relieve pressure on under-siege coach John Worsfold.
However, Shaun McKernan's levelling goal in the dying stages was argued as a behind by the GIANTS and replays seemed to suggest they had a strong case, but time ran out for the video review to overrule the decision.
Josh Kelly had the chance to tie the match with a wayward snap on the final siren, the loss now leaving the GIANTS in a fight to hold down a place in the top-four.
Entering the game at 6-7 and with a cloud hanging over Worsfold's tenure at Tullamarine, the Bombers moved to within percentage of eighth spot.
Essendon was forced to go mobile in the final term and kicked six of their 12 goals with McKernan and Hooker in the ruck after Tom Bellchambers' calf injury.
The GIANTS looked set to ice the match midway through the final quarter, getting easy ball from Shane Mumford's dominance in the centre square.
Adam Saad and Conor McKenna, who were both limited in their attack throughout, then sparked into action as the Bombers started their charge.
After Darcy Parish leveled the scores at the 22-minute mark, GIANT Jeremy Finlayson's quick response appeared to stem the Bombers' momentum before McKernan and Hooker converted.
Zach Merrett (28 disposals and seven inside 50s) was the Bombers' most prolific ball-winner as they attempted to shutdown their opponents.
Youngster Dylan Clarke first went to Stephen Coniglio, before his switch to Josh Kelly after quarter-time allowed Coniglio 14 second-term disposals.
Zac Williams (29 disposals) did as he pleased across half-back, however the Bombers' stingy pressure limited the GIANTS' typical free-wheeling attack.
Orazio Fantasia provided a highlight in the opening term with a spectacular mark, but was held to just six disposals after the first break in a blanketing job by GIANTS Sam Reid.
MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: Orazio Fantasia spent 10 minutes on the bench in the first term receiving work on a cut to his head before returning to play out the game. Tom Bellchambers limped off moments before the final break with a right calf complaint and sat out the remainder of the game. Patrick Ambrose strained his quad in the warm-up less than an hour before the first bounce and was replaced by Aaron Francis.
Greater Western Sydney: The Giants appeared to get through unscathed.
NEXT UP
The Bombers play their fourth and final MCG home match of the season, meeting Sydney next Saturday afternoon. The Giants will enjoy a 10-day break before hosting the final match of round 16 at Giants Stadium against Brisbane.
ESSENDON 3.2 5.3 6.4 12.5 (77)
GIANTS 1.2 5.4 7.8 10.11 (71)
GOALS
Essendon: Laverde 2, McKernan 2, Hooker 2, Brown, Fantasia, Shiel, Zaharakis, Langford, Parish
GIANTS: Cameron 3, Finlayson 2, Kelly, Himmelberg, Davis, Daniels, Greene
BEST
Essendon: Merrett, Saad, McKernan, Hooker, Heppell, Langford
GIANTS: Coniglio, Kelly, Williams, Himmelberg, Cameron, Reid
INJURIES
Essendon: Ambrose (quad) replaced in selected side by Francis, Bellchambers (ankle)
GIANTS: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Hosking, Gianfagna
Official crowd: 25,195 at Marvel Stadium
