THE AFL'S new rule that allows for video reviews of contentious scores was thrust into the spotlight after it was used to make two key decisions during Essendon's two-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

On the first occasion, the umpires chose to review a snap at goal by Bombers skipper Jobe Watson.

The video appeared to be inconclusive, but the ball was ruled to have been touched by Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein, so a behind was awarded.

"My understanding is that the boundary umpire is adamant that it was 100 per cent touched, but they still went to the video review," North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said after the game.

"It was the boundary umpire who had the most influence on that."

North defender Michael Firrito, whose teammates engaged in a boisterous appeal for the review system to be used in the Watson case, said: "Speaking to the boys, the right decision was made, so there's no real issue there from our perspective."

However, Bombers coach James Hird refused to say whether he believed the correct call was made on the Watson kick.

"I'll reserve judgment until I go home and have a look at it," he said. "I'm looking at a little screen so it's hard for me to say.

"If you're saying it's inconclusive then that's a little bit disappointing."

The video review system did prove its worth during the third quarter when the replays showed a shot at goal by Essendon's Stewart Crameri had hit the post.

"I don’t mind the system because you'd rather get them right, particularly when the game comes down to that close margin," Scott said.

Hird added: "The one that hit the post, the umpire actually called it to hit the post, so it wouldn’t have changed that one.

"If we had of lost it might have been a bit different, but at the moment I'm OK with it.

"The AFL's made the decision, and I think we've got to back it and work with it. Let's review it at the end of the year."