ESSENDON and Hawthorn played out an epic match at the MCG on Saturday morning, which saw the Hawks get up in a nail-biting four-point result.

The Bombers could be proud of their effort in the 107-103 loss, but in such a tight finish the smallest errors are that much more costly.

And in the context of their season, with the Bombers needing the win to stay in September contention, one mistake will be looked at more than most.

Midway through the final quarter, with the Bombers closing to within two goals, Brendon Goddard was entrusted with the kick-out duties after a Hawks behind.

Bafflingly, despite playing his 331st game of AFL footy, the 33-year-old committed the ultimate sin and coughed up a crucial goal as a result.

It looked costly at the time, but the true extent of the damage couldn’t be seen until the final siren sounded.