Buddy escapes ban, Thomas cops VFL suspension

North Melbourne veteran Lindsay Thomas has been hit with another ban after elbowing an opponent in the face first game back from suspension.

Thomas was playing for Werribee against the Northern Blues on Saturday when he hit Rhys Palmer while in possession of the ball.

"He had genuine intent to hurt there," one commentator said.

Thomas on Monday accepted a one-game ban for the incident.

It was his first game back after serving a three-game suspension for an ugly hit on Casey Scorpions player Corey Maynard in May.

Thomas, 29, was dumped to the VFL after North Melbourne's winless start to the AFL season across the first five rounds.

Meanwhile Sydney superstar Lance Franklin has escaped suspension after being reported for rough conduct in the second quarter of the Swans' stunning come-from-behind win at the MCG on Saturday.

Connor Menadue was taken high by Franklin as he bent over to collect a loose ball.

Sydney's Zak Jones and Gold Coast's Matt Rosa have been offered one-match suspensions for striking, while Geelong's Joel Selwood, St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt and West Coast's Luke Shuey can all accept $1000 fines for rough conduct.