ESSENDON forward Jacob Townsend's night has ended early in the first term against Greater Western Sydney after a brutal collision with Giants defender Heath Shaw. 

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Townsend was chasing a loose, bouncing ball in Essendon's attacking goalsquare but Shaw gathered the ball first and turned to protect himself as he took possession, crunching the Bomber in the process. 

>> WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

He was taken straight from the field by trainers and headed down to the rooms for assessment, before returning to the interchange bench with a tracksuit top on before the end of the quarter, signalling his night was over.  

Essendon forward Jacob Townsend is helped from the field against GWS. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Essendon coach John Worsfold said after the game he believed Townsend had suffered concussion and not any facial fractures, despite post-match vision that showed the forward gesturing towards his cheekbone while talking with Shaw.

Townsend will be assessed in the coming days but he is an unlikely starter for the Bombers' clash with Gold Coast next Wednesday at Metricon Stadium.