It was heartbreak for Essendon VFL on Sunday, falling short to a fast finishing North Melbourne by three points at Arden Street Oval.
The Bombers fought tooth-and-nail to regain ascendancy throughout the second half and establish a three-goal buffer late in the piece, but ultimately couldn't withstand a late surge from the Roos - the home side piling on three goals in as many minutes of play to pinch the four points.
Essendon's last-ditch foray forward in the final 10 seconds led to a free kick for Solly McKay on the final siren but the defender was unable to convert from his set shot.
Although the loss will leave a bitter taste in Bomber mouths, they still remain in the hunt entering the second half of the VFL campaign, just two clear games out of a finals picture that currently only splits third and 10th position by four points.
The Roos were clinical out of the gate, slotting six of the first seven majors and putting the Dons on the back foot early.
Led by Jaxon Binns' 22-disposal opening half, a late rally of three consecutive goals before the main break had cut the margin to just nine points and set up a blistering third quarter from Cameron Joyce's men.
Jade Gresham slotted two of the Dons' seven for the term, which also included a sparkling goal from Xavier O'Neill - the skipper charging out of a centre clearance and converting on the run in one of the highlights of the day.
The 89-74 lead looked unassailable at the 21-minute mark of the final term but the Roos bounced back via Oliver Griffin, draftee Lachy Dovaston and finally Zac Banch's game-winning snap out of congestion.
Elijah Tsatas (36 disposals, 11 clearances) and Max Kondogiannis (27 disposals, eight marks) were among the prominent ball winners, with Nik Cox (15 disposals, nine marks, two goals) continuing to provide good signs in a joint key forward-ruck role.
Essendon VFL next take on St Kilda at Windy Hill from 12pm AEST on Sunday.
NORTH MELBOURNE 5.1 6.4 9.6 14.8 (92)
ESSENDON 1.5 4.7 11.9 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Gresham 3, Guelfi 2, Cox 2, Uerata, Nguyen, Brodie, Edwards, Dowling, O'Neill
BEST
Binns, Hately, O'Neill, Cox, Tsatas, Kondogiannis
