ADELAIDE says the AFL's admission that umpires made a crucial error late in Saturday's loss to Gold Coast "is of no use or benefit" to the club and its supporters.

On Sunday, the AFL said Izak Rankine should have been awarded a late shot on goal during the thrilling defeat to the Suns.

In a controversial finish to a pulsating match, Rankine appeared to clutch a chest mark in the left forward pocket before the ball spilled free under the weight of a Sam Collins challenge.

The adjudicating umpire called play on, and Gold Coast cleared it from the defensive 50 before hanging on to win by one point.

But the AFL said on Sunday morning that Rankine should have been paid a mark, or awarded a free kick for being held.

"With 1.44 remaining in the Gold Coast v Adelaide match Rankine should have been awarded a mark," a spokesperson said.

"Subsequently, he was also held in the marking contest, which should have also warranted a free kick. Upon review, the umpires missed it in real time.

"The AFL football department has contacted Adelaide this morning."

Having been on the wrong end of a handful of other pivotal umpiring calls in recent years, Crows CEO Tom Silvers said the the situation is "increasingly frustrating".

"We once again find ourselves faced with an AFL acknowledgment of an umpiring error but unfortunately and in reality, it is of no use or benefit to our Club, or our players, coaches, staff, members and supporters," Silvers said.

"It's increasingly frustrating.

"With a five-day break between games, we must switch our focus to putting in a strong performance against Geelong in Thursday's opening of Gather Round."

The Suns improved to 3-0 after the thrilling win, while the Crows were beaten for the first time in 2025 and are now 3-1.