The AFL Review Centre looked like it was foundering after a Josh Thomas goal was allowed in the frenetic last quarter of Saturday’s AFL preliminary final at the MCG.

There was widespread disbelief when the Collingwood forward’s snap was not overturned, given the video replay strongly suggested it was touched off the boot.

It is the latest controversy to hit the league’s much-derided score review system.

One of the key reasons the new AFL Review Centre (ARC), was brought in at the start of the finals was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the video system.

It would have been a massive issue had Collingwood beaten GWS.

But the AFL is backing the call on the Thomas goal, with the reviewer having to be convinced beyond reasonable doubt that it was touched before the goal could be overturned.

There was no request from any umpire for the score review.

Thomas’ goal came eight minutes into the last quarter and reduced the margin to 20 points.

It was the second of a five-goal Magpies surge that brought them to within four points, before the Giants were able to close out the epic match.

Two other score reviews were also big moments, but appeared to be accurate.

Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury appeared to snap an important goal late in the second term, but the video review showed Daniel Lloyd touched it off the boot.

Chris Mayne had a snap to tie the scores late in the last quarter, but the video review showed the ball was touched on the goal line.

“You have to trust the system. I know it’s pretty controversial at times, but as a player you just get on with it because the rub of the green will eventually go your way,” Pendlebury said.

“I thought it (his snap) was a goal, but obviously they have the vision.”