After playing every game of 2008, the 25-year-old was charged with a level-four offence engaging in rough conduct against Hawthorn's Luke Hodge in round 15. His carry-over points meant that the four-game sanction could not be reduced, even with an early plea.
Buchanan worked hard during his time away and returned mentally fresher and physically fitter. The stats back it up. He's amassed over 20 disposals a game since his return including 26 possessions against North in the Swans' elimination final last week.
His tackle count was up too with almost 20 tackles in the four rounds since he's returned. He'd previously averaged 2.7 per game.
And another reason for Buchanan's renewal has been the birth of his first child, an event that came along during his time on the sidelines.
The 2005 premiership player says the birth of daughter Elke to his partner Cara has been life-changing.
"It's been an amazing experience. I'm absolutely loving it. She's a really good baby and Cara has been really good," he said today.
"Elke's been sleeping well, too. I don't think it changes too much the way you play your footy, but it definitely changes your life a lot."
'Change' has been the buzz word around the Swans camp this week. A change in attitude, lead by many of the senior players, has seen the Swans return to a style of play that has brought them so much success over the years.
The midfielder, who's also booted ten goals this season, is set to take on one of the most mobile onball divisions in the competition on Friday night when the Swans play the Western Bulldogs in the semi-final at the MCG.
He says the Swans need to play good contested style of footy if they are to have a chance against the side that finished third on the ladder but which lost its first finals match to Hawthorn last week by 51 points.
"Sometimes you can over analyse things and get caught up with all the little things in football, but at the end of the day if everyone's hitting in it makes a huge difference," Buchanan said.
"It's about action now, it's do-or-die. It's finals football so we've just got to go out and win it.
"We need to go down there and try to find the form we were in the second half [against the Kangaroos] and keep building the confidence."
Buchanan is hopeful the Swans forward trio of Ryan O'Keefe, Barry Hall and Adam Goodes continues to complement each other well against the Dogs. The three racked up eight goals between them in the 35-point elimination final win over North Melbourne.
"The last couple of weeks the forward structure has worked a little better. Hopefully it can work well on the weekend."
The former Colac player was hopeful of seeing plenty of support for the Bloods at the MCG on Friday night.
In Sydney at least, Buchanan knows he's got one new fan waiting for him at home.
