Kane Cornes says the Marcus Bontempelli goal against West Coast should never have been awarded – but not because it was touched.

Speaking to Scott Watters on Footy SA & WA, Cornes showed the kick from Bulldog Bailey Smith to his captain Bontempelli travelled less than the minimum 15 metres required to constitute a mark.

“I think from where Bontempelli was initially standing it was 15m but by the time he marked it, it’s probably about eight,” Cornes said.

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“Look how far he has to run to come and meet this.

“Probably about six metres that kick has gone, so the umpire was very generous there.

“That was an illegal mark.”

Bontempelli would go back and slot the set shot to give the Western Bulldogs the lead in the dying minutes of the two-point win.

The goal itself was subject to plenty of scrutiny given Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern got a hand to the ball — but not before it crossed the goal line, according to the goal umpire.

With not enough evidence to overturn the umpire’s call, the goal stood.

“I’m not prepared to let this one go,” Watters said.

“Have a look at where he’s kicking it from. 15 metres it needs to be… look at where he marks the ball.”

West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy yesterday refused to blame Sunday night’s narrow loss to the Bulldogs on the controversial match-winner awarded to Marcus Bontempelli.

Kennedy said while McGovern “definitely” touched the ball, the Eagles had other opportunities they let slip.

The loss kept the Eagles half a win outside the top four and the crucial double chance.

The Western Bulldogs meantime are now just sitting outside the top eight, only on percentage, after GWS’ shock loss to last-placed Adelaide.