AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has conceded Adelaide should have been awarded a late goal but says their crucial one-point loss to Sydney won’t be overturned.

The Crows’ finals chances ended in controversy after the goal umpire awarded a behind rather than a goal by Ben Keays, which would have given Adelaide the lead with just over a minute to play in Saturday night’s Adelaide Oval clash.

The umpire signalled the ball hit the post and didn’t seek a video review - which McLachlan said on Sunday he should have done.

“There was a goal umpiring decision that should have been reviewed and it was a mistake,” McLachlan told reporters.

“I want to say conclusively that if the decision had been reviewed, it would have been overturned and it would have been a goal.

“It’s a human error that happens repeatedly through games and across the course of the year but this is an error that, given the context and the moment, was of great consequence.

“I want to acknowledge that was a mistake and want to take accountability for the mistake on behalf of the league.”

The 13th-placed Crows are two wins outside the top eight with one game remaining, an away trip to play struggling West Coast.

Had they beaten Sydney, Adelaide’s season would have been well and truly alive ahead of a return clash with the Eagles. They smashed West Coast by 122 points in round 13 at the Adelaide Oval.

The AFL said the Crows had been nothing but professional in their dealings with the league.

Adelaide chief executive Tim Silvers said the admission of error did not lessen the frustration and disappointment shared by everyone involved with the club.

“Human error is, and always will be, part of football and we recognise our own performance in the first half of the season-defining game was not at the standard we expect either,” Silvers said.

“We are also extremely proud of our players’ effort, commitment and never-give-up attitude, which was again on show.

“The failure to video review the scoring attempt in question is inexplicable given the enormity of the moment, not just for that game but also what it meant for our finals chances and those of other teams in the competition.

“Having spoken to the AFL and with no further avenues to explore, we have no choice other than to turn our focus to the final home and away match of the season.”

The result also had ramifications for other teams vying for a place in the finals.

If Adelaide won, St Kilda would have been assured of finishing inside the top-eight for just the second time since 2011.

Instead, the Saints need to upset Brisbane at the Gabba to lock in their finals spot, or rely on other results falling their way next weekend.

The goal umpire at the centre of the controversy won’t be available for selection for the rest of the AFL season.

McLachlan stressed the AFL was prioritising the umpire’s mental health.

“The goal umpire involved in the incident is being provided support by the AFL and we ask for everyone to respect how challenging a time it would be for him presently,” McLachlan said.