The Tigers led by 13 points early in Saturday's third quarter at the MCG when Higgins kicked truly from the forward pocket, only for the field umpire to call for a score review.

Replays showed the ball had clearly crossed the line before being touched by St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey.

But the goal umpire's decision was overturned and the Saints went on to kick four goals straight and snatch back the lead.

Richmond ultimately prevailed, surging home in the fourth quarter to secure a 15.15 (105) to 12.5 (77) victory.

But Hardwick, who has been a strident critic of the score review system, was still fuming about the decision after the game.

"I sit here and I still don't know how it got turned over," he said.

"Seriously, it's an embarrassment to our game. The technology is deplorable.

"What do you reckon the technology is going to be like in Alice Springs this week (when Melbourne play Adelaide)? We might as well get the Hubble telescope to come and give us a snapshot."

Hardwick said it was particularly frustrating that players were left waiting for the umpires to make a decision.

"We're asked to trust and respect the umpires. How about we back the goal umpire and then we go back to the centre," he said.

"And if you haven't figured it out by that stage, just let the game go. Momentum in sport is a wonderful thing."

St Kilda counterpart Alan Richardson was also critical, saying Saints defender Logan Austin had clearly touched a Dustin Martin goal, which was upheld on review.

"They were confusing today," he said.

"I think we were probably a little bit lucky on one. It looked like the ball that Hickey touched had cleared the line. But I thought Logan Austin's looked like he'd clearly touched it.

"Today it didn't work. I'm not sure whether it's embarrassing or not but it was ineffective today."

Australian Associated Press