Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten spoke to the media via video link on Thursday ahead of the Bombers' clash with the Swans at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Here are the five key takeaways from his media conference.

1. Response needed

Essendon will look to rectify Sunday’s loss to GWS after burning a golden chance to solidify a spot in the top eight.

After holding a 16-point lead at half-time, the Bombers only mustered one goal in the second half to fall by 13 points.

Rutten said round 19’s performance was below expectations and a response was needed against a red-hot Sydney.

“Our group is progressing, growing, and expecting more from each other,” Rutten said.

“The game on the weekend was probably below what we’ve served up for the majority of the season so far, but it also gives us a great opportunity to respond at training and against the Swans, who are obviously a really good outfit and in some good form at the moment. “

2. Stopping Bud

For 24 hours, Essendon fans didn’t have to worry about Lance Franklin continuing his strong goalkicking record against the red and black (72 goals in 17 games) after the forward copped a one-week suspension for striking.

A successful appeal at the AFL Tribunal on Wednesday night, however, will see the 34-year-old line up to cause headaches for the Dons’ defence once again.

Rutten said Franklin would once again be a presence for the Swans, but if his side became too ‘Buddy-focused’, Sydney’s strong depth would create more problems for the Bombers.

"I slept a bit better for maybe one night," Rutten joked.

"But no, we want to see our good players playing and Buddy is one of those but we're also well aware that the Swans are much more than a Buddy Franklin team.

"They've got some really good depth across their whole field.

“Buddy gets the reward of that and he's been in some pretty good form but I think the way Jayden Laverde has been playing with James Stewart and Jordan Ridley, the mix of those three guys and the way they've been defending throughout the course of the season has been really pleasing.”

3. Backing Walla in

Rutten was forced to defend forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and his recent form in Thursday’s media conference.

The man known affectionately as ‘Walla’ has been below his scintillating best in recent weeks, having been held goalless for the past two matches.

Rutten has backed McDonald-Tipungwuti to regain his early season form.

"There's no doubt the last few weeks he's been probably a little bit below his best but we're really confident he'll be able to get back there really quickly,” he said.

“He has copped a few knocks and bumps over the last few weeks which will probably take some toll, but he's fit and ready to go and we're really looking forward to it.

"We're really keen and confident that Tony will be back at his best."

4. Shiel’s position

After a 17-week recovery from a meniscus injury, returning midfielder Dylan Shiel was a sight for sore eyes in the Dons’ round 19 fixture.

With the emergence of Darcy Parish as a genuine inside midfielder and Jake Stringer’s pinch-hitting ability from centre stoppages, many externally have questioned the 28-year-old’s best position.

When pressed on the issue, Rutten said Shiel would be worked through the midfield as he continues to build fitness.

“I think predominantly through that midfield,” Rutten said.

“Last week, we managed his game time a little bit by starting him on the bench and giving him an extra rotation, but we’ll be able to up his load this week.”

5. Dons’ AFLW draft success

As Essendon pushes for its very own AFLW side, Rutten couldn’t be more pleased with the club’s results at the recent draft.

Six VFLW Bombers were selected in Tuesday’s AFLW draft, in the same week they face Geelong in a historic preliminary final at Windy Hill.

Rutten said the Dons’ draft success highlighted the growth of the club’s women’s program and one-club mentality.

“Absolutely it does (energise the AFL playing group),” Rutten said.

“It’s something we’re really embracing as a footy club – that one football club that includes all of our teams.

“It does give us a bit of a buzz and does permeate through the whole football club.”