You don't often see an umpire taken off on a stretcher, but that was the case on Friday night. Umpire Troy Pannell was concussed when he collided with Swan Nick Malceski in an unfortunate third-quarter accident. Pannell did not move after the collision, and both teams' doctors were quickly on the scene to assist him. The AFL confirmed the concussion diagnosis and allayed fears of any possible neck injury, saying Pannell would be observed by in the hours after the game. Pannell was replaced by emergency umpire Tristan Burgess for the remainder of the match.

Lance Franklin has an incredible record against Essendon, having kicked 50 goals in 10 meetings while playing for Hawthorn against the Bombers. So when he started off by kicking four goals in the first half on Friday night, the signs were ominous that Buddy's 'bunnies' were in for a long night. Franklin charged up and down the ground like he hadn't done all year, almost reaching the level of his 2008 heyday. And, most importantly, he made his shots at goal count. Franklin added another with a vintage bouncing goal from the angle in the final term to ensure his career average against the Bombers remained at an even five.

When the team sheets were released, attention immediately focused on the naming of Jake Carlisle as Essendon's substitute. Carlisle has been badly out of form this season, struggling to transition into life as a forward. But with the Swans' prized tall forward attack doing its best to find its groove, it seemed to be a peculiar decision. The Bombers gave away 12 first-half goals to the Swans (four to Franklin) and they could have desperately used the 198cm utility in defence or attack. Carlisle came onto the ground in the third quarter and finished with two goals, looking dangerous in the air as a tall target for the Bombers to kick to. However, his relationship with coach Mark Thompson will continue to be a talking point.

With the microscope on the bump intensifying by the week, the third-quarter collision between Dan Hannebery and Michael Hurley will be examined intently. Hannebery appeared to be trying to win the football, but at the same time was trying to clear a path behind him. Unfortunately, Hurley – who had his head over the football – copped the full brunt of the contact. No free kick was paid, which led to Bombers youngster Kurt Aylett sliding in to win the loose ball, catching Hannebery in the head too. There were a lot of grey areas in the incident, so it will be interesting to see how the Match Review Panel adjudicates on the collision.

At the start of the season, Bombers coach Mark Thompson would have been licking his lips at the thought of having Tom Bellchambers and Patrick Ryder as his forward-ruck tandem. But Bellchambers' ankle injury meant those best-laid plans had to be put to bed. Against the Swans, Bellchambers' return allowed Ryder to spend more time up forward, where he looked increasingly dangerous as the night wore on. Ryder kicked two goals to go along with 16 possessions and 17 hit-outs, while Bellchambers had 29 hit-outs and kicked a goal. The duo's importance to the team cannot be underestimated.