The AFL has defended the decision by the AFL Review Centre to award Collingwood midfielder Josh Thomas a goal during their preliminary final loss against GWS.
However, the governing body has admitted that it was the incorrect one.
Thomas was awarded a goal in the final quarter of their preliminary final against GWS at the MCG on Saturday despite the replays appearing to show the ball touch Lachie Keeffe's hand on the way through.
The decision to not overturn the goal by the Review Centre caused outrage across the league, with the chorus of criticism led by Lions legend Johnathan Brown post-match.
"Lachie Keeffe's nearly broken his finger," Brown said.
"That was a bad decision and that goes against the ARC so we don't want that to happen in the grand final next week.
"It's embarrassing for the AFL - the amount of money they've put into it."
The AFL released a statement on Sunday morning defending the decision-making process and the awarding of the goal, however, conceded that the ball was touched by Keffee.
"The AFL acknowledges that upon review the ball was touched by GWS Giants player Lachie Keeffe," the statement read.
"In determining a decision, the reviewer must be clearly satisfied that there is sufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt to overturn a decision.
"On this occasion, the reviewer at the time was not convinced the ball was touched beyond reasonable doubt to intervene and overturn the decision of the umpire.
"This is in line with the correct process for a silent review."
Luckily for GWS, the decision did not cost them a spot in their inaugural grand final, holding on for a thrilling four-point victory.
They will line up against Richmond in the Grand Final on Saturday afternoon.