The new AFL tribunal system was tested and veteran Western Bulldogs utility Rohan Smith won on Tuesday night as his striking penalty was reduced to one game.

A case that would have gone for about 40 minutes under the old system took nearly two hours on Tuesday night as it frequently became bogged down in legalistic argument.

The three-man jury then took less than five minutes to rule in favour of the Bulldogs after a hearing where Smith did not say one word.

While Smith and Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade expressed satisfaction with the new system, Eade acknowledged there were "a couple of humps".

"I'm relieved and I think my career has gone into account," Smith said.

"I just think the system works, it's a very good system."

Eade added: "The system has obviously got a couple of humps here and there (that) they're going to iron out.

"I think it's a good system ... obviously we're very relieved that a player of his quality and standing in the footy community stood up tonight.

"I think it was a fair decision."

The verdict means Smith will be available for next week's Wizard Cup grand final, should the Bulldogs beat Carlton in Saturday night's semi.

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