The Bombers came from 31 points down to snatch a memorable five-point win against the Blues.
But the first-quarter incident was a major talking point in the immediate aftermath of the game, on the back of some contentious decisions involving the review system this season.
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane told AFL.com.au football operations boss Mark Evans had spoken with the goal umpire involved and, after doing so, had determined the his decision was a mistake.
"The goal umpire was convinced in his own mind that it was a behind," Keane said.
"But from our point of view there was enough doubt there to call for a review."
While the goal umpire may have been certain in his view, the footage clearly showed the ball coming off Garlett's boot.
"The goal umpire completely believed it was a point, whether the mark was dropped or over the line or whatever, so he was certain in his decision.
"As the vision shows in the end, it was an error."
The fact the umpires did not call play back to check whether the decision was correct, was due to Essendon immediately bringing the ball back in to play.
Under AFL rules, a review cannot be called for once play has resumed.
"If any other umpire is aware it is an error, they can stop the game, if play hasn't restarted," Keane said.
The umpires upstairs can also communicate with the umpires on the field to tell them to stop the play so the replays can be looked at.
But in this case, Essendon defender Dustin Fletcher immediately re-introduced the ball back in to play from the kick-out - with replays only being made available 20 or 30 seconds after the incident.
Garlett did not protest the decision, suggesting he was not sure himself.
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said after the game if the review is available to the umpires, then it should be used.
"That decision, I don't know who calls for that decision. It's either a mark or a goal, the way I see it. It can't be a point so I guess when you've got that (review) availability you should use it," Malthouse said.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
