The Crows trailed by 13 points at the 19 minute mark of the final term but fought back to kick three quick goals and claim a seven-point victory, 12.9 (81) to 11.8 (74) at Leeton Showground.

MCUE looked destined for victory midway through the final quarter when 19 points clear after working back from a 21-point deficit.

But Daniel Muir and Braxton Wallace goalled to close the margin to one, before the Crows scrapped together successive behinds.

The win was not without controversy however with the second behind called into question. The field umpire blew the whistle for out on the full, while the goal umpire had signalled it was a behind.

After a quick discussion, the behind was called.

After a frantic final few minutes, Bailey Wood sealed the win with a goal after the siren from a free kick.

Leeton-Whitton coach Jade Hodge was hit by a range of emotions.

“Probably just relief, but really proud of the way the boys responded,” Hodge said.

“We were really good early, and then, which seems to be a bit of a trend to our game, we fade out of games a little bit.

“To lose (Bryce O’Garey) in the first quarter and for our boys to respond the way they did without him, because he’s normally the one that leads that counteract in the last quarter and he wasn’t there. I’m just really proud of the young boys, our better players were our younger ones.”

The win puts the Crows within two points of third spot with games against Wagga Tigers, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong, Coolamon and Turvey Park to finish the home and away season.

For the reigning premiers, the sky is the limit.

“If we win every game, not putting too much pressure on the boys, there’s no reason why we can’t win them, then that gives us a double chance,” Hodge said.

“We’ve made two grand finals the last two years from third so as long as you give yourself that crack, who knows. I’m pretty excited for the group we’ve got.”

In a game that had everything, Cooper Sharman was the star of the show as he kicked Leeton-Whitton’s first six goals.

Ryan Dunn and Tom Meline were others to shine in the win.

Then has MCUE wrestled back the moment, it was courtesy of a brilliant performance from Tom Keogh, with younger brother Will as the supporting act.

Tom kicked four goals and had a hand in several others as he inspired MCUE’s comeback. Will kicked three himself and was a constant threat in attack.

It was a costly blow from the Goannas, who are now up against it to remain in the top three. They have won just the one of their last six games.

The bad news for the Crows was a serious ankle injury to Bryce O’Garey late in the first quarter. He was on crutches by half-time.