Every disposal from the Essendon skipper and 2012 Brownlow medallist was met with a resounding roar but his evening ended in the first quarter after just four touches. Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff met him with a heavy, yet fair, bump in the middle of the ground after a bounce in the centre circle. Club doctor Bruce Reid confirmed a broken collarbone for the skipper and he is set to miss up to a month.
2. Monfries faces his past
After 150 games and eight years at the Bombers, Angus Monfries fronted up against his old teammates for the first time. Monfries was a free agent but joined Port Adelaide after being traded in the off-season. He was gifted a goal early when a deliberate rushed behind infringement was paid against Dyson Heppell. The defensive forward received the odd boo but he performed well, kicking three third quarter goals to finish with four goals and 18 disposals. He had a long chat with Watson after the game.
3. How valuable is Tom Bellchambers?
That question will exercise the minds of many list management committees from now until he re-signs with Essendon after his five-goal haul against Port Adelaide. In the first quarter Bellchambers looked like Paul Salmon reincarnated as he replaced the injured Stewart Crameri forward. He kicked three goals – one running with the play, one a towering mark and the third after marking on the lead – in the first quarter, and kicked another two late. He played as much in the ruck as he did deep forward with Jobe Watson off the ground and Brent Stanton struggling to run properly, but had more impact forward. With so many talls people presume Bellchambers will be up for trade, but James Hird was trying to dampen the speculation early in the week. Whatever happens, Bellchambers value has increased.
4. Swingmen everywhere nowadays: Trengove the latest
Port Adelaide seem to be toying with the idea of Jackson Trengove playing as a second tall as John Butcher works to force his way into the team. Trengove started forward then went back as Bellchambers dominated early. He stayed mainly in defence but looks an option up forward. In a game that contained players such as Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff and Essendon's Michael Hurley and Jake Carlisle – who both played forward, the era of the mobile tall has returned.
5. What lies ahead?
Essendon moves to third spot on the ladder and faces a reasonable fortnight with Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney to come. It then plays in a Friday night blockbuster against ladder leaders Hawthorn before a Sunday clash against Collingwood. Port Adelaide remains one game clear of what could become the charging West Coast and two games clear of North Melbourne and Carlton. Port Adelaide faces Hawthorn at home next week and then St Kilda, the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide. Win three of those four and it will be in the battle for the eight right until season's end, as it deserves to be. Port Adelaide play a fine brand of football.
