A "series of unfortunate events" in the third term and a subsequent loss of composure cost Essendon dearly in its 45-point loss to Geelong, according to Bombers coach Brad Scott.

Two separate incidents – an apparent missed arm-chop free kick to Sam Draper in forward 50, and a harsh deliberate rushed behind call against Jye Menzie – led to Cats majors amid a five-goal third term that broke the game open.

"We clearly lost momentum in the third quarter through a series of unfortunate events, and then we didn't – we weren't set up behind the ball, we got transitioned, you don't get a scoring opportunity and it goes down the other end and [the Cats] score," Brad Scott said.

"We just had a patch there where we lost total control of the game. Now, that can happen through a variety of factors, what I'm most disappointed about is we lost momentum, then we lost composure.

07:04

Rd 16 | Scott post-game

Watch Essendon’s press conference after round 16’s match against Geelong

"We couldn’t regain the momentum, we couldn't stabilise the game. That's the most disappointing part. For the most part this year – because things go against you in a game of footy all the time, whether it's the opposition doing great things, or other things that happen that are outside your control, as frustrating as it is, there's nothing you can do about it.

"The only thing you can do is control your response to it, and our response tonight was really disappointing. A step back in that area for us, which has been really good so far this year. Our ability to regain composure after losing momentum in the third quarter compounded and made it worse. Not only did we not regain momentum, we couldn't even stem the momentum they had."

04:45

Rd 16 | The Last Word

Ben Jacobs gives a members an exclusive recap of our round 16 loss to Geelong.

The Bombers Senior Coach said the club was unlikely to query the umpires' decisions with the AFL.

"If I thought it would help. If there's been a change in rule, then I'll seek clarification, but I suspect what'll happen is they'll say, 'sorry, it was a mistake'," Brad Scott said.

"We can't change it, we can't control it, so that's our lesson. Can we do anything about it? I'll only seek clarification on something if I think it's going to be a concern going forward. But I don't think you need to direct that question to me."