Essendon coach Brad Scott believes a "series of unfortunate events" led to the Bombers' dramatic second-half collapse in a costly defeat to bogey side Geelong.
The Bombers had a golden opportunity to consolidate their top-four spot from a crowded chasing pack in a Saturday night clash with the Cats.
Instead, Essendon lost for a 22nd time from their 26th time facing Geelong, leaving them just two points clear of the Cats in fifth after the 16.9 (105) to 9.6 (60) defeat.
After leading by five points at halftime, Essendon were blown away by Geelong, who slammed through five goals to one in the third term.
The tide turned after Bombers ruck Sam Draper was, incorrectly, not paid a free kick right in front of goal.
Geelong immediately swept the ball to the opposite end of the ground, scoring through Gary Rohan.
Moments later, a deliberate rushed behind play was inexplicably paid against Bombers defender Jye Menzie, giving Ollie Dempsey an easy goal for Geelong.
"We clearly lost momentum in the third quarter through a series of unfortunate events," Scott said.
"We just had a patch there where we lost total control the game.
"Now that can happen through through a variety of factors ... what I'm most disappointed about is that we lost momentum and then we lost composure and couldn't regain the momentum.
"The only thing you can do is control your response to it and our response was really disappointing.
"It was a step back in that area or us, which has been really good so far this year."
Essendon have just six days to respond ahead of monster clash with Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.
The Magpies are also coming off a defeat after losing to Gold Coast by 11 points.
The rivals played out a thrilling draw when they last met on Anzac Day.
After a surging start to the season, Essendon are determined to capitalise as they aim to end the club's infamous 20-year drought since their last finals win.