The AFL has conceded the newly introduced score assist technology incorrectly overturned a crucial goal for Gold Coast in their AFLW loss to Collingwood.
Suns forward Jamie Stanton's goal in the second quarter of their round five clash against the Pies was chalked off after the sensors inside the ball indicated it had been touched.
Stanton was bumped by Pies defender Muireann Atkinson before she snapped towards goal, but broadcast footage did not show Atkinson making contact with the ball.
The ball also cleared defender Stacey Livingstone in the goal square, with the on-field umpire awarding the goal.
Stanton's overturned major proved costly for the winless Suns, who lost by three points.
Cam Joyce's side sit at the bottom of the ladder after four losses and one draw.
"The protocols for overturning a decision require that it must be conclusive that the ball and vision align, so this was a case of human error," an AFL spokesman said.
"The ball tracking technology incorrectly recorded that the ball was touched after the kick, which can occur rarely as the ball continuously improves and gathers further data.
"The score assist official at the ground viewed one angle of vision that aligned with the ball so intervened to overturn the decision to award a goal.
"Subsequently, further vision angles were viewed at halftime that whilst available, weren’t inspected at the time of the review which showed the decision to overturn was incorrect."
Gold Coast have called on the AFL to provide a thorough demonstration of the score-assist technology process.
The men's competition does not use a smart ball in its score review system.
Field umpires unsure of the score will first make a provisional call before footage from various angles is reviewed to determine the outcome.
"The official at the ground should not have overturned the on-field umpires’ decision, and we understand the possibility for human error," the club said via a statement.
"We are, however, more concerned with the ball tracking technology incorrectly recording the ball was touched.
"Given the potential impact on the outcome of games, it’s important for us to understand the technology and process for overturning scores.
"We have arranged with the AFL for a full demonstration and explanation of the technology and processes involved."
