AFLW: AFL admits human error to blame for ball tracking fail after Jamie Stanton goal overturned

The AFL has explained how its new ball tracking technology failed after overturning a Jamie Stanton goal. But it hasn’t appeased Gold Coast.

The AFL has admitted that its new ball tracking technology has failed after it overturned a goal to Gold Coast star Jamie Stanton, inadvertently costing the Suns their first win of the season.

Human error has been identified as the source of the mistake after Stanton’s snap on goal during the second quarter against Collingwood, which was deemed touched by the ‘smart’ ball despite initially being ruled a major by the goal umpire.

A Score Assist Officer tasked with reviewing the ball’s decision failed to recognise that it had cleared the Collingwood defender after viewing just one replay. The Suns lost by three points.

It’s the second time this season that score review technology has helped determine the outcome of a Suns game, with Blue Maddy Guerin awarded a late goal in Carlton’s one-point victory in round two.

Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans said that the club was disappointed by the outcome but had arranged with the AFL to view the technology and dispel any doubt surrounding the process.

#aflwpiessuns In a game that @GoldCoastSUNS lost by just 3, this goal by Jamie Stanton was over-ruled by smart-ball technology which reckons the ball was touched. I can't see a touch & the Pies defender doesn't react as though she touched it. Hey @afl can u please explain this? pic.twitter.com/Br7L8D9Nhq

— David P (@David_Paul_B) September 27, 2024

The result of the game will still stand.

“The official at the ground should not have overturned the on-field umpires’ decision, and we understand the possibility for human error whether that be by umpires, officials, coaches, or players,” Evans told this masthead. “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.

“Therefore, we have arranged with the AFL for a full demonstration and explanation of the technology and processes involved.”

An AFL spokesperson said that tracking technology incorrectly recorded that the ball was touched. The Score Assist Official at the Swinburne Centre then failed to inspect all available replays of the kick, only doing so at half-time after initially relying on one angle which supported the ball’s conclusion.

“During the second quarter Gold Coast Suns Jamie Stanton was awarded a goal by the on field umpire which was subsequently overturned by the Score Assist Official,” an AFL spokesperson said.

Jamie Stanton of the Suns celebrates. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“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.

“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. The AFL have spoken to both Clubs to confirm the error and explain what occurred.”

The AFL has previously said that its ball tracking technology is “99 per cent accurate.”

The Suns played finals last year but have managed one draw and four losses so far in 2024.

Originally published as AFLW: AFL admits human error to blame for ball tracking fail after Jamie Stanton goal overturned