Essendon's Zach Merrett could be in hot water for a late hit on Jack Silvagni that saw the Blue taken to hospital.

Silvagni received a knock to the ribs early in the first quarter and did not return to the field for the rest of the game.

Channel Seven's commentary team thought the incident was innocuous, yet Merrett could come under fire by the Match Review Officer as Silvagni was sent to hospital for scans on his ribs.