Gutsy North Melbourne have overcome the loss of midfielders Daniel Wells and Leigh Adams to run away from Essendon and all but secure their AFL finals berth.
Wells (calf strain) and Adams (shoulder dislocation) were both forced out of Sunday’s Etihad Stadium clash in the first quarter.
But the Kangaroos still finished strongly for the pivotal 15.10 (100) to 11.10 (76) win.
“It’s a great foundation to build on, to know we can pull through some pretty tough circumstances like today and get a win like that,” victorious coach Brad Scott said.
North trailed early in the third term, before a burst of three quick goals in succession from inspirational veteran Brent Harvey gave them a lead they never relinquished.
It was North’s eighth win in nine games and 12th of the season, lifting them above Geelong into sixth spot.
They might still need one more victory to ensure they play finals for the first time in four seasons.
But if that doesn’t come in the next two rounds, it should surely come against Greater Western Sydney in the last round.
The Bombers’ defeat was their fifth in six games and they remain inside the eight by just a tiny percentage gap from ninth-placed Fremantle.
The Bombers face a crunch clash with 11th-placed Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.
Earlier on Sunday, Hawthorn kicked 11 last-quarter goals to thrash Port Adelaide 24.15 (159) to 13.9 (87) in Launceston.
But the Hawks lost small forward Cyril Rioli (shoulder).
Hawthorn are still fourth, but only a game off top spot and with a superior percentage.
Richmond extended the Western Bulldogs’ losing streak to eight with a comfortable 22.18 (150) 12.8 (80) win at the MCG.
Jack Riewoldt kicked five goals while Trent Cotchin (35 disposals, three goals) starred.
Earlier in the round, West Coast returned to form to down Geelong 16.6 (102) to 15.7 (97) at Patersons Stadium on Friday night and keep themselves on track for a home final.
Second-placed Adelaide should clinch a top two berth after their 17.17 (119) to 14.7 (91) win over Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, given their very kind remaining draw.
Third-placed Collingwood moved within percentage of top-placed Sydney thanks to their hard-fought 12.6 (78) to 9.16 (70) win over the Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
St Kilda kept themselves in finals contention by beating Melbourne 16.11 (107) 12.10 (82) at the MCG on Saturday, but lost skipper Nick Riewoldt (knee).
The Blues are also still in the finals hunt after downing Brisbane 17.11 (113) to 10.17 (77) at Etihad Stadium.
Gold Coast climbed off the bottom of the ladder with their 16.13 (109) to 12.7 (79) over new cellar dwellers GWS at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night, the Suns’ first win at their home ground.