Geelong coach Chris Scott has called on the AFL Review Centre to be held to high standards after his side was controversially denied a goal in a narrow four-point defeat to Carlton.
Ollie Dempsey should have been awarded the opening major at the MCG on Friday night when replays showed he clearly shinned the ball through on the goal line.
Goal umpire David Rodan was accidentally knocked over by Carlton's Blake Acres at the time and got up to signal a behind.
The ball was brought back into play before a review was called.
"I probably disagree with the theory in principle that someone sitting in the ARC can't see," Scott said after Geelong's 12.16 (88) to 12.12 (84) defeat.
"The technology is there for the howler and someone within the ARC should've seen that was a howler within seconds.
"You guys (media) will talk about it more. I don't think I really have that much more to add.
"All I would be doing is making the observation that's as plain to you as it is to me."
Should this have been a goal? đ¤ pic.twitter.com/9vAgjGs0ZR
â 7AFL (@7AFL) May 29, 2026
The AFL made a rule change last month, deciding the ARC could no longer intervene on an incorrect decision once the ball is back in play.
The tweak followed an incident where about one minute of play unfolded before the ARC ruled that a St Kilda behind should have been a mark to Rowan Marshall on the goal line.
If the rule change had not been made, the ARC could have awarded the Cats and Dempsey a goal on review.
"I'm not sure they need my help on that or even my observation on whether it's appropriate or not," Scott said.
"I certainly think that they all - that whole department - should be held to high standards.
"But honestly, I'm not going to spend a second more thinking about it."
Geelong's defeat to Carlton left them with an 8-4 record and in danger of slipping out of the top four by the end of the round.
Scott did not blame the loss on the controversial decision, instead paying credit to the Blues' big guns after Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh starred in the midfield.
"I hope you can tell it's the rub of the green sort of stuff in my opinion," Scott said.
"I completely accept that the AFL should spend some time on their processes.
"But we'll let them do that and we'll move on ... the last 109 minutes will be our focus in review."
Geelong next assignment is a tricky test away to Adelaide on Thursday night.
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