Round 17, 2026: Can the Bombers Break the Cycle Against the Saints?

Essendon returns to Marvel Stadium searching for just its second win of the season after another frustrating performance against North Melbourne. Jonathan Walsh is back from Europe alongside Ian Hume as the boys review the Kangaroos loss, discuss the concerning trends that continue to hold the Bombers back, and question some of the recent selection and positional decisions. They also unpack the club's coaching search, the latest on a potential AFL assistance package, Jack Bowes trade speculation, and hand out another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award. Plus, a full preview of Sunday's clash with St Kilda, including the Saints' strengths, selection changes, key match-ups, tactical battles, and what Essendon must do to give themselves every chance of causing an upset. As always, the episode finishes with final thoughts and reasons for Bombers fans to stay hopeful heading into Round 17. 🖤❤️ ___ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat Don The Stat Website: https://www.donthestat.com/ Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky: Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1 / https://bsky.app/profile/kyptastic.bsky.social Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==