GIANTS coach Leon Cameron has refused to blame a controversial incident that saw the score review system run out of time to overrule an Essendon goal in the final minutes of his side's Thursday night loss at Marvel Stadium.
Shaun McKernan's major that levelled the scores with two minutes on the clock appeared to be touched by GIANT Adam Kennedy, but no action was taken before the central umpire bounced the ball to restart the contest
It paved the way for defender-cum-forward Cale Hooker to kick the match-winner moments later, the GIANTS squandering a 19-point lead early in the final term.
However, Cameron was at pains to turn to other aspects of his side's performance that leaves the GIANTS in a fight for a top-four berth.
"If we sit here and say the score review cost us or something else cost us, then we're not putting our hand up," Cameron said post-game.
"We gave up a three-goal lead, I think that's the area we need to hone in on.
"I haven't seen the (review) replay, I actually didn't know until five or six minutes ago.
"I'll have a look at it and no doubt they've got to work through some issues and I understand a few of these situations have popped up during the year.
"I understand there's going to be a lot of talk and a story about it and you guys will make your own opinion, but I want you to understand we're really disappointed we've given up a three-goal lead."
Cameron was left to rue a disappointing final term where the Bombers laid six more tackles than the GIANTS, despite the travelling side winning the contested ball count for a fourth consecutive quarter.
"We lost the game because we needed to be a little bit harder for longer and smarter for longer," he said.
"Our contested ball was plus-26 but it's pointless being really good at that if you let it bobble out at times and it costs you opportunities."
After a quiet first three quarters, veteran ruckman Shane Mumford looked set to make the most of opponent Tom Bellchambers' calf injury by setting up two early final-term goals.
After winning crucial hit outs, Mumford was then swamped by the more athletic duo of McKernan and Cale Hooker in the centre square, as the pair led the Bombers' fightback.
Cameron conceded Mumford would need to be managed in the final eight matches of the year, with his 32-year-old body tiring after more than 12 months out of the game before this season.
Mumford conceded five free kicks and has given away 15 more than any other player this season, a part of his game Cameron admitted continued to be a worrying trend.
