Canberra AFL fans that braved the icy rain at Manuka Oval were treated to a nail-biting thriller, but the GWS Giants' finals hopes copped a massive blow with defeat to the Gold Coast Suns, 11.13 (79) - 11.11 (77).
The Suns held a lead at the end of every quarter on Sunday, and came to Canberra clearly hungry to snap a 10-game losing streak in front of 5814 fans in round 22.
But in their last AFL game in the capital for the season, GWS kept it close to keep the Giants faithful on their feet until the final siren.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley was left ruing missed opportunities and poor execution from his team with the loss hurting the Giants' already slim chances to remain in AFL finals contention.
"I don't know if it's impossible, but it's difficult now, and that's the reality of it," Kingsley said of the Giants' post-season chances.
"Nothing we can do about it now. We'll continue to move on, we've got two more games, and we'll do our best and try and win both and see if that is enough to qualify. But it looks unlikely."
The game wasn't without controversy, with Kingsley noting his team "at times didn't get the rub of the green".
Boos were heard for much of the fourth quarter immediately after a Bailey Humphrey goal was awarded on a day where few umpiring calls went the Giants' way.
Humphrey's goal was particularly highlight-worthy with the Suns star seemingly scoring with his backside, or at best, his back-heel.
Commentators were confused, as were the fans watching the game, with umpires taking several minutes to review the decision before confirming the on-field call of a goal.
"I think he's dragged it over the line with his foot more than anything else," AFL legend Alastair Lynch said on Fox Sports.
"That's not going to stand ... that's off the hamstring ... or is it the back of the heel?"
As the goal proved vital to sealing the Suns' narrow victory, Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick was pleased to get the call.
"There was a clear view that we saw that it came off his foot and he dragged it across the line, so we thought it was always difficult for the umpire to overturn," Hardwick said.
"But trust me, as someone that's been on the end of those ones for a number of years and a number of times, sometimes it's swings and roundabouts."
Injuries in the game to Toby Bedford (back) in his 100th game and Jayden Laverde (ribs) put the Giants on the back foot early.
Giants skipper Toby Greene was all class as expected in his return game after overcoming a quad injury, finishing with two goals, 18 disposals and seven tackles.
Lachie Whitfield had a team-high 26 disposals, and youngster Josaia Delana was impressive with 20 disposals and two goal assists.
Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski bagged two goals each, too.
The Giants had more inside-50s than the Suns (58-48) but failed to take advantage, and the Gold Coast's dominance in the centre clearances didn't help.
The rain made handling the ball a nightmare all game, and both the Giants and Suns had their blooper-reel moments.
Ultimately it came down to which team could make the least mistakes and triumph over the slippery conditions, and the Suns kept finding another gear every time the Giants threatened a comeback.
"It's a great feeling to be back on the winner's list," Suns star Matt Rowell said post-game.
"It's been a really tough slog. This is what you play for, to get these wins.
"To come down to Canberra in these wet conditions, we showed so much spirit, and it's great to get the win.
"It's cold conditions, but the boys embraced it. We played hard, tough footy."
The Giants pushed for a late goal in the final quarter as they trailed by nine, but could only manage a late consolation goal a second before the siren to go down by two points.
GWS next host the West Coast Eagles and then travel to Adelaide to take on the Crows.
AFL - ROUND 22
Gold Coast Suns 11.13 (79) bt GWS Giants 11.10 (77) at Manuka Oval. Crowd: 5814.
