Don The Stat
by donthestat
Don the Stat is a weekly podcast covering the Essendon Football Club. Former Essendon Football Club analyst Jonathan Walsh is joined by fellow Essendon fan Ian Hume where they break down the previous weeks game and preview the tactics of the next match. We focus on a more analytical approach that considers the statistics and match day tactics that will impact each game.
Episodes
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Inside Essendon's List: What Roles Should the Bombers Target in the 2026 Draft? (With Tommy Wolfe)
Essendon's list is taking shape, but where do the Bombers still need to improve ahead of the 2026 AFL National Draft? On this episode of Don The Stat, Ian is joined by Tommy Wolfe, creator of the Reading the Play blog (https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/), to break down Essendon's list position...
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No Stats, Just Chaos! 🔥 | Essendon Hot Takes 2026
🔥 It's back! The annual Don The Stat Hot Takes episode! No stats. No research. No preparation. And absolutely no idea what's coming next. After a season Essendon supporters would rather forget, we're throwing our usual analytical approach out the window and handing the microphone to YOU! With…
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2026 Trade Review: Coleman in and eyes on Pick 1
Trade period is done, and Essendon’s rebuild takes another turn. Jono and Humey assess the deals, the departures and what comes next as attention shifts towards the draft. 🔄 Merrett and Ridley depart: Did the Bombers get fair value, and what did completing both trades early allow Matt Rosa to…
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Where Does Zach Merrett rank at Essendon all time - With Dr Dan Eddy
Where does Zach Merrett rank among the greatest players in Essendon history? After winning a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal before his departure from the Bombers, Merrett finds himself alongside club legends Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchinson in the record books. But how does his career...
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Jono and Ian react to the Zach Merrett Trade
It’s done. Zach Merrett is a Hawk. 🎙️ Jono and Ian jump on for a short reaction episode as Essendon trades its former captain to Hawthorn for picks 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round selection. 🔎 We give our first impressions of the deal, assess the return and discuss what losing Merrett means for...
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Don The Stat | 2026 Trade Period Preview: Merrett, Longmire & Building the New Essendon
A big appointment off the field and big decisions on it. Essendon’s off-season is gathering pace. Jono and Ian unpack the latest developments and preview a trade period that could significantly reshape the Bombers’ list. 🐎 Longmire joins the Bombers We discuss what John Longmire’s arrival means...
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2026 Jack Kirby Medal - Who was Essendon's Best player this year?
Jono and Ian award the Don The Stat Best and Fairest award - the Jack Kirby Medal. Who's been voted the best performed Essendon player in 2026. Plus, the first ever Damian Barrett award for Worst Essendon take is announced. __ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First...
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Who Starred? Who Flopped? | Essendon 2026 Player Ratings
Make your own Tierlist: https://tiermaker.com/create/essendon-player-ratings-2026-19810700?presentationMode=false Who starred, who struggled and who landed somewhere in between? 🔴⚫ Ian is joined by Josh Wilson to review every Essendon player who featured at senior level in 2026, handing out…
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Don The Stat Post-Season Q&A 2026
Jono and Ian are joined by some of the Don The Stat Patrons to ask questions about Essendon past, present and future. We touch on list management, coaching styles, trade targets, the VFL and assistant coaches. ____ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts...
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Rick Edwards’ BIG September AFL Draft Update | 2026 Top 20 Revealed
The 2026 AFL Draft is getting closer — and Rick Edwards is back with another major update to his Top 20! 🔴⚫ Rick has watched 26 games live this season and has spent the year tracking the best young talent across the country. With the Under 18 seasons reaching their pointy end, his September...
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Rock Bottom and the Road Back | 2026 Season Review
The curtain falls on one of the most difficult Essendon seasons in recent memory and it’s time to examine exactly what went wrong, what changed and whether there are genuine reasons to believe the Bombers can move forward under Mark McVeigh. In our comprehensive 2026 Season Review, we discuss: 📊...
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Impatience - Examining the Essendon Finals Win Drought
22 years. No finals wins. No premiership challenge. So how did Essendon get here? On September 4, 2004, Essendon defeated Melbourne by five points in an elimination final at the MCG. It remains the last time the Bombers have won a game in September. With Essendon now entering another rebuild…
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Round 24 Review | One Season Ends, The Spike Era Begins
The 2026 season is over but a new Essendon era has already begun. 🔴⚫ We review the narrow final-round loss to Port Adelaide, Nate Caddy’s brilliant six-goal performance and the costly centre-bounce collapse that allowed the Power to escape with the win. Then it’s onto the week’s biggest news…
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The First Interview: Mark McVeigh, New Essendon Senior Coach
New Essendon Senior Coach Mark McVeigh joins Don The Stat, along with Scooter from Lunchtime Catch up and Fiona from Bomber Banter for his first interview since taking the job. McVeigh discusses what it means to return to the club where he played 232 games, the experiences that have shaped him as…
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Round 24, 2026 | Essendon v Port Adelaide - Win for Pride or Lose for Pick One?
The end of a long and difficult 2026 season has arrived but even the final game comes with a complicated question: do we desperately want one last win, or accept the benefits that could come with Pick 1? 😬 We review Essendon’s 36-point loss to Sydney, including the disastrous opening quarter and...
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Round 23, 2026 | 18th vs 2nd: Can Essendon Pull Off the Unthinkable?
After a competitive opening at Kardinia Park, one disastrous stretch allowed Geelong to break the game open and condemn Essendon to a 67-point defeat. We review the loss to the Cats, examine the dramatic difference between Essendon’s best and worst periods, and look at the encouraging performance...
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Round 22, 2026 | Nowhere to Hide: The Young Dons Face Geelong
The kids showed glimpses. Peter Wright kicked six. But a 72-point defeat proved there’s still a mountain of work ahead. 🔴⚫ In this episode, we unpack Essendon’s loss to Adelaide after fielding the youngest team seen in the AFL this season. We look at the exciting ball movement, the brutal…
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Round 21, 2026 | The Coaching Search Narrows - Who should Essendon pick?
Essendon’s search for its next senior coach is reaching the pointy end, with Mark McVeigh, Murray Davis, Jaymie Graham and James Hird emerging as the leading candidates. We examine the coaching journeys, strengths and potential concerns attached to each contender and why development experience,...
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Round 20, 2026 | The Kids Are Alright: Can the Baby Bombers Rattle the Hawks?
Finally, a win! Essendon’s young side produced a brave and mature performance to defeat the Giants by three points, giving Bombers supporters their first taste of victory in more than a year. We break down the pressure, tackling and stoppage dominance behind the win, the emergence of Dyson Sharp,...
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Round 19, 2026 | Bombers vs Giants, Nate Caddy Commits & Coaching Search Heats Up
After a bruising 90-point loss to Brisbane, the Bombers face another tough challenge as they take on GWS in Round 19. This week on Don The Stat, Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume break down what went wrong against the Lions, including Essendon's struggles at the contest, the shift in defensive…
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Rick Edwards July 2026 Draft Rankings
Ian is joined by Rick Edwards to give his update for July for his 2026 Draft Rankings. Support Rick at his patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards _____ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at...
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Round 18, 2026: Lions Await as the Rebuild Rolls On
Essendon heads north to take on the reigning premiers in one of the toughest assignments of the season. This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey unpack another frustrating loss to St Kilda, but also examine the encouraging signs emerging beneath the surface under interim coach Dean Solomon. From...
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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...
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Round 16, 2026: Can Essendon Get Revenge on North? Trade Rumours, Coaching Talk & Post-Bye Priorities
The bye is over and Essendon returns for a big opportunity in their Round 16 clash against North Melbourne. With finals out of reach but plenty still to play for, Ian Hume and Josh Wilson break down why the final nine weeks of the season remain important for the Bombers' future. They discuss...
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Bombers Mid-Season Patron Q&A | Rebuild Reality, Coaching Candidates & Draft Dreams
The Don The Stat Patreon community takes centre stage in our annual Mid-Season Q&A Special! With Essendon sitting at a crossroads in 2026, Ian Hume and Jonathan Walsh tackle a huge range of supporter questions covering the biggest issues facing the club. 🔴 Is there anything positive to take from...
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Stay the Course or Start Again? Tommy Wolfe on Essendon's Future
Is Essendon still on the right path, or has the club blinked at a critical moment in its rebuild? This week on Don The Stat, Ian is joined by Tommy Wolfe from Reading The Play (https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/) for a deep dive into the Bombers' future following the shock departure of Brad...
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Round 14, 2026: Can the Bombers Repeat the Gather Round Formula?
Essendon heads to the MCG to face a Melbourne side that has transformed into one of the competition's most dangerous teams since the Bombers upset them during Gather Round. With Jono away in England, Ian is joined by long-time Don The Stat patron and tactical analyst Josh Wilson to break down...
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Essendon’s Rebuild Starts Here | Rick Edwards’ June 2026 Top 20 Draft Rankings
Support Rick at his Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards With Essendon's 2026 season spiralling and the AFL Draft becoming the major source of optimism for Bombers fans, we welcome back one of the most respected talent watchers in the Essendon community — Rick Edwards. In this...
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Round 13, 2026: Essendon v Carlton Preview | Rivalry Night, AFL Assistance & Can Solomon Spark a Response?
Stubby Holder Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRJGhBVEqDn7pywRvnDCnybyQR8vvoeMoIaoIGa0QDx7hT0A/viewform?usp=dialog Essendon and Carlton. The ladder might say one thing, but this rivalry always means something. This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey review Dean Solomon's first...
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Round 12, 2026: Essendon drama, Solomon Takes Over
It has been one of the biggest weeks in recent Essendon history. After another injury-hit loss, this time to Richmond in Dreamtime at the ‘G, the Bombers sit 1-10 and anchored to the bottom of the AFL ladder. The fallout only intensified with the sacking of Brad Scott, another wave of media...
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Ian reacts to Brad Scott's Sacking
This was recorded on Patreon live earlier this evening. Ian gives his reaction to Brad Scott's sacking and interacts with Patrons. Jono will give his thoughts on our main show this Thursday
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Round 11, 2026: Essendon v Richmond Preview, Media Noise & Contest Concerns
***Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the recording tonight*** Dreamtime at the ‘G returns, but this year it arrives with plenty of pressure surrounding both Essendon and Richmond. In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the Bombers’ disappointing loss to...
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Round 10, 2026: Youth Rising, Opportunities Missed and the Fremantle Test
A 26-point lead. A young side full of energy. Then a game that slipped away. This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey unpack Essendon's frustrating 14-point loss to GWS after looking in control for long stretches. Was it simply a case of experience winning out, or did deeper issues emerge late…
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Round 9, 2026: 100 Previews Later | Essendon vs GWS Giants Preview, Whiteboard Fallout & Midfield Fixes
Don The Stat brings up its 100th Match Preview episode as Essendon heads north to face the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium. After a tough 64-point loss to the reigning premiers Brisbane, the boys break down what went wrong, from the alarming centre bounce numbers to Essendon’s inability to contain...
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Round 8, 2026: Bombers v Lions | Response Needed Against The Reigning Premiers
Article Link - https://www.donthestat.com/post/round-7-check-point-essendon-2026 ANZAC Day heartbreak is in the rear-view mirror, but the challenge only gets tougher for Essendon in Round 8. After a competitive first half against Collingwood, the Bombers were overrun in brutal fashion, going down...
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Round 7, 2026: Anzac Day Test - Signs of Growth or Same Old Story?
Essendon heads into Anzac Day off the back of a narrow 9 point loss to Gold Coast. A result that didn’t go our way, but one that showed clear signs of growth. In this episode, we break down what worked against the Suns and where the game was lost, particularly around key moments and centre bounce...
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Round 6, 2026: Eclipse Season? Bombers Look to Back It Up Against the Suns
Essendon is on the board in 2026 and in style. After four tough losses to start the season, the Bombers delivered a statement 45-point win over Melbourne at Gather Round. But as encouraging as it was, the challenge now shifts to consistency. This week, Essendon heads to the Gold Coast to take on…
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Round 5, 2026: Can Essendon Break Through Against Melbourne at Gather Round?
Essendon heads to Gather Round still searching for its first win of the 2026 season, but there were at least some signs of life in the second half against the Bulldogs. On this week’s Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the 34-point Easter Sunday loss to the Dogs. A match that featured some…
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Round 4, 2026: Opportunity Missed, Mountain Ahead
Three rounds in, and Essendon are still searching. After a frustrating 12-point loss to North Melbourne, the Bombers showed signs of progress—but ultimately, it was another game that slipped away. Poor conversion, costly turnovers, and lapses at key moments continue to define a side struggling to...
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Round 3, 2026: Demoralised Bombers Search for a Response Against North
Two rounds in, and Essendon’s 2026 season is already under real pressure. In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey review the Bombers’ 63-point loss to Port Adelaide, a result that made it back-to-back 10 goal defeats to open the year. They unpack the familiar themes from the first...
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Round 2, 2026: Hawthorn Reality Check, Port Preview & The Midfield Response
Round 1 hit hard. After a 62-point loss to Hawthorn, we dig into exactly what went wrong for Essendon in the season opener — and why the biggest issues ran deeper than the usual surface-level takes. From midfield struggles and centre bounce damage, to field position, forward structure and...
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Round 1 Preview: Bombers vs Hawks | Can Essendon Exploit Hawthorn’s Weaknesses?
The wait is over. Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season has arrived. In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey preview Essendon’s season opener against Hawthorn. After months of pre-season training, match simulations and practice games, we finally get our first real look at the Bombers when the...
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 1 Day to Round 1
We are officially 1 day out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG tomorrow night. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we counted down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it…
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 2 Days to Round 1
We are officially 2 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 3 Days to Round 1
We are officially 3 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 4 Days to Round 1
We are officially 4 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 5 Days to Round 1
We are officially 5 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
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Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 6 Days to Round 1
We are officially 6 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
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(REUPLOAD) Don the Stat 2026 Season Preview
Essendon’s 2026 season is almost here. With Round 1 against Hawthorn just 8 days away, Jono and Humey return for the annual Don The Stat Season Preview. Breaking down everything Bombers fans need to know heading into the new AFL season. After a brutal 2025 that saw 15 debutants and a 13-game…
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Don the Stat Countdown to Season 2026 - 7 days to Round 1
We are officially 7 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on March 13 and between now and then, we’re doing something a little bit different. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a...
About this show
Don the Stat is a weekly podcast covering the Essendon Football Club. Former Essendon Football Club analyst Jonathan Walsh is joined by fellow Essendon fan Ian Hume where they break down the previous weeks game and preview the tactics of the next match. We focus on a more analytical approach that considers the statistics and match day tactics that will impact each game.
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