One of the most even AFL seasons in history delivered again in round 14, with Geelong's narrow win over Fremantle among four thrillers.
The Dockers were without Brownlow Medal winner Nat Fyfe and imposing ruckman Aaron Sandilands, fielding a young side including two debutants at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.
But Ross Lyon's side led by as many as 34 points before suffering a heart-breaking two-point loss.
Michael Walters could have won it with a flying shot just before the final siren sounded, but his hurried kick went wide to leave the Cats 10.14 (74) to 11.6 (72) winners.
"In the end all I know is we had an opportunity to win the game with the last kick of the day," Lyon said.
"Our leaders stood up ... it was a strong performance without getting the points, so we walk away disappointed.
"But there is our parallel story of growth.
"You can lose and go forward and we clearly have ... this is the right way to go about it."
The third-placed Cats were left counting the cost of the win with Joel Selwood concussed in the first minute and Tom Stewart (facial fracture) and Darcy Lang (ankle) also all unable to see out the game.
Three other games were decided by three points or less.
Essendon looked to have the premiership points in the bag at the SCG on Friday night until a stirring Sydney fightback ended with a Gary Rohan goal after the siren that sealed a one-point win.
"It's not often you go through games like that," Sydney coach John Longmire said after the 11.20 (86) to 12.13 (85) win.
"We were in a lot of trouble with 4:30 to go and 19 points down.
"You're in the lap of the players (in those situations) ... the boys worked through it really well and we had a bit of luck."
Jake Stringer scored the decisive behind that allowed the Western Bulldogs to seal a stunning 15.17 (107) to 16.10 (106) win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Tom McDonald was the hero for Melbourne with his last-minute goal securing a 15.9 (99) to 14.12 (96) win over West Coast at Domain Stadium.
Greater Western Sydney reclaimed top spot on the ladder with a comfortable 60-point win over last-placed Brisbane at the Gabba.
The Giants replaced Adelaide, who suffered a shock two-goal loss to Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night to slip to second.
Port Adelaide hung onto fourth spot with a convincing 31-point win over Collingwood at the MCG.
Richmond beat Carlton 11.18 (84) to 8.10 (58) on Sunday in a scrappy encounter at the MCG on Sunday to maintain sixth spot.
St Kilda ended the round by scraping back into the top eight on percentage.
In a game short on highlights, emerging Saints star Jack Billings shone as they won 14.19 (103) to 10.12 (72).
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