Don The Stat: Recent Episodes

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. Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces each week and welcomes audience participation.

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 drop-off in intensity, Jaxon Artemis’ breakout performance and a dominant afternoon from Peter Wright. 🌟

We also ask some bigger questions about the rebuild:

🏗️ How does this list compare with the one inherited at the end of 2022?
🥇 What should Essendon do if it holds Pick 1?
🧑‍🏫 Where does the senior coaching search currently stand?

Then it’s down the highway to face Geelong at its Kardinia Park fortress. What makes the Cats so difficult to stop, where can the young Bombers challenge them, and what will it take to avoid another painful lesson?

There’s nowhere to hide but there’s still plenty to learn. 🎙️

___

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==

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, leadership and alignment with the club’s long-term strategy must matter more than familiarity or profile.

We also review Essendon’s 93-point loss to Hawthorn, exploring how a competitive opening unravelled as the enormous gap in experience, continuity and class took its toll. Plus, the latest on Sullivan Robey and Jordan Ridley, Dan McPherson’s resignation and what it means for the football department.

Finally, we turn our attention to Sunday’s clash with Adelaide: the Crows’ strengths, the challenge facing Essendon’s undersized defence and what we want to see from the Bombers across the final four games of 2026.

___

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==

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, Nick Bryan’s best performance as a ruckman and the encouraging signs from Essendon’s next generation.

Then we turn our attention to Hawthorn at the MCG. Can the Bombers reproduce that intensity on the bigger ground, compete with the Hawks at clearance and prevent one of the competition’s best turnover teams from taking control? Plus, selection, Essendon’s coaching search and the latest draft discussion.

___

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==

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 structure under Dean Solomon, and whether the final quarter offered any genuine signs of progress.

They also discuss:

🔴 Dean Solomon's comments on skill execution and Nick Riewoldt's criticism
⭐ Nate Caddy's contract extension through to 2031 and what it says about Essendon's future
🏉 The latest on Essendon's coaching search and the growing media narrative
📈 Rick Edwards' July draft rankings and who the Bombers should target with Pick 1
❓ A Patreon question on how long it really takes for a young list to become cohesive
🟠 Breaking down GWS's recent resurgence and how Essendon can turn the tables after letting a four-goal lead slip earlier this season
📺 And finally... which TV show best sums up Essendon's 2026 season?

Can the Bombers produce a response, or will the Giants continue their push towards September?

Listen now and join the conversation. 🔴⚫

___

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==

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 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==

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 improved defensive structure and clearance numbers to the development of young guns like Robey, Sharp and El-Hawli, is there more progress than the scoreboard suggests?

The boys also discuss:

The coaching search and what Essendon's football department could look like in 2027
The debate around Zach Merrett and whether the Bombers made the right call
Essendon's bold move for Jed Walter
How Brisbane has rediscovered its premiership form
Selection news, tactical match-ups and the keys to challenging the Lions at the Gabba

As always, there's plenty of stats, analysis and honest discussion as the Bombers continue laying the foundations for the future.

🎙️ Don The Stat — Proudly supported by our Patreon community. Go Dons!

___

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==

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==

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 Essendon's disappointing loss to Melbourne, the key statistical areas that need improvement, and what Dean Solomon's game style comments could mean for the remainder of 2026.

The boys also dive into:

The latest coaching rumours and what Essendon should be looking for in its next senior coach
Trade speculation surrounding Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley and Darcy Parish
Essendon's reported interest in Jed Walter and Lachie Neale
Five things they want to see from the Bombers after the bye
North Melbourne's improvement in 2026 and where the Roos can be exposed
Selection headaches with Caldwell, McGrath, Parish, Kako and El-Hawli all returning
Key tactical battles that could decide the game
Predictions for Essendon's quest to secure its first Melbourne win in over a year

Can the Bombers respond after the bye and gain revenge for their Round 3 defeat to North Melbourne? Tune in as Don The Stat previews a massive Sunday afternoon clash.

DonTheStat #Essendon #AFL

____

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==

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 the season so far?
⚫ Who should coach Essendon in 2027 – James Hird, James Kelly or John Longmire?
🔴 Can fans trust the club to make the right decision this time?
⚫ What should Essendon's list strategy be over the next two years?
🔴 Which experienced players should the Bombers target through free agency?
⚫ Who has actually improved this season?
🔴 What's the ideal midfield mix moving forward?
⚫ What does the future hold for Elijah Tsatas?
🔴 Should Essendon take Harry Van Hattum or Akay Barker at the top of the draft?

Plus plenty more discussion on the rebuild, player development, culture, leadership, draft strategy and where the Bombers go from here.

A huge thank you to all our Patreon members who submitted questions and joined us live for another fantastic Q&A session.

DonTheStat #EssendonFC #AFL

____

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==

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 Scott.

Tommy discusses why he believes Essendon is still two strong drafts away from completing its talent base, where the Bombers sit compared to successful rebuilds such as Melbourne and Fremantle, and whether it's possible to sack a coach without abandoning a long-term vision.

The conversation also explores:

🔴 Was Brad Scott the right coach at the wrong time?
⚫ How many more years should Essendon prioritise the draft?
🔴 The risks and rewards of chasing quick improvement through trades and free agency
⚫ Why some rebuilds succeed while others become stuck in AFL's middle ground
🔴 The growing momentum behind James Hird's coaching candidacy
⚫ Essendon's dream 2026 draft and trade period
🔴 The impact of Tasmania's arrival on list management
⚫ What Tommy would change about AFL drafting, free agency and list rules

Plus, Tommy shares his journey with Reading The Play, his favourite Essendon memories, and why he believes the Bombers must avoid repeating the mistakes of "old Essendon."

If you're interested in list building, recruiting, AFL strategy, and where Essendon's rebuild goes from here, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation.

___

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==

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 Essendon's loss to Carlton, assess the early signs of the Dean Solomon era, and preview a massive challenge against the Demons.

🔴 Topics include:

What Essendon did right at centre bounce against Carlton
Why the Bombers continue to struggle with inside 50 connection
Ben McKay's surprising impact as a forward
Zach Merrett's move to half-back and whether it works
The emergence of Nick Bryan and Sullivan Robey
What's changed under Dean Solomon?
Injury updates and the cavalry arriving after the bye
Melbourne's rise into the top five
Nick Bryan's biggest test yet against Max Gawn
How Essendon can repeat the formula that worked in Gather Round
Key match-ups and tactical battles to watch

Plus, Ian and Josh discuss the future direction of the club, the continued development of Essendon's young core, and what success should look like for the remainder of the 2026 season.

📊 Don't forget to check out this week's Draft Rankings special with Rick Edwards and keep an eye out for Sunday's coaching and club direction discussion with Tommy Wolfe from Reading The Play.

🎙️ Like, subscribe and join the conversation.

AFL #EssendonFC #DonTheStat

_____

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==

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 special Don The Stat episode, Rick reveals his exclusive Mid-Season Top 20 AFL Draft Rankings and breaks down the players every Essendon supporter should be watching ahead of the National Championships.

We discuss:

🏆 The state of Essendon's season and whether Brad Scott's sacking was the right call

🏆 James Hird's coaching prospects and what the Bombers should prioritise in their rebuild

🏆 Why Harry Van Hattum is currently Rick's No.1 prospect

🏆 Arki Butler, Ethan Drever, Kodah Edwards, Harvie Cook and the other elite talents climbing draft boards

🏆 Who Essendon could target with multiple early selections

🏆 The latest on NGA prospects Justice, Bewick, Jed Naim, Darwish and Rodan

🏆 Rick's experience watching the Vic Metro vs Vic Country trial match

🏆 The players who could rise rapidly during the National Championships

If you're already looking ahead to the future of the Essendon Football Club, this is the draft episode you've been waiting for.

Don't forget to check out Rick's Patreon for exclusive training reports, vision and draft analysis, and follow him on X at @BomberRicko.

🔴⚫ #GoDons

____

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==

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 game as interim coach following the Bombers' disappointing loss to West Coast and examine what, if anything, changed on-field.

The boys dive into:

The clearance dominance that failed to translate into scoreboard pressure
Nick Bryan's emergence as a genuine AFL ruckman
The departures of Ben Jacobs and Ben Robbins
Another brutal injury update involving Archie May and Lewis Hayes
Essendon's request for AFL assistance and what support could look like
Whether key defence has suddenly become a list priority
Carlton's resurgence under Josh Fraser
The Blues' dangerous centre bounce game and how Essendon can combat it
Selection dilemmas ahead of a huge Sunday night clash at the MCG

Plus, the Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award returns and an obscure stat about identical twins rucking against each other.

All that and plenty more in another big edition of Don The Stat.

Go Dons. 🔴⚫️🏉

____

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==

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 scrutiny, and Dean Solomon stepping in as interim coach.

On this week’s Don The Stat Match Preview, Jono and Ian reflect on an emotional and draining week for the Essendon community, the deeper meaning behind supporting the club, and what comes next for the Bombers.

The boys break down:

The decision to move on from Brad Scott
Whether Essendon’s long-term strategy can survive another coaching change
The resilience shown in the Richmond loss despite more injuries
Darcy Parish’s enormous Dreamtime performance
Kane Cornes earning a Barrett Award nomination
Mid-season draftee Jaxon Artemis and what he adds to the list
West Coast’s improvement in 2026 and the challenge awaiting in Perth
The tactical and structural changes fans want to see under Dean Solomon

There’s also discussion around Essendon’s youth movement, list build, clearance struggles, Harley Reid, Bailey Williams, Jake Waterman and how the Bombers can respond after one of the toughest weeks the club has faced in years.

A reflective, emotional and analytical episode from the Don The Stat team.

_____

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==

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

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 Fremantle, including another poor start, contest issues around stoppage, and why the raw stats didn’t fully reflect how one-sided the game felt early. They also discuss the signs of improvement in Essendon’s forward half pressure and whether there was anything worth taking from the second half response.

The boys dive into the latest media storm surrounding Essendon’s list strategy, including Jay Clark’s reporting on Adrian Dodoro, Harley Reid, Craig Vozzo and the club’s rebuild direction. They unpack the context around Essendon’s 2024 position, why the “all in” approach would have been a massive gamble, and how AFL media coverage continues to shape perception around the club.

There’s also discussion around:

Peter Wright’s injury and what it means for Nick Bryan
Brayden Fiorini’s season-ending setback
Essendon’s likely mid-season draft strategy
Richmond’s rebuild and injury struggles
Key tactical battles for Dreamtime at the G
Whether the Bombers can handle the pressure if things go wrong on Friday night

Plus the latest Damian Barrett Award nominee, Patreon shoutouts, and why Dreamtime remains one of the most important nights in football regardless of ladder position.

🎧 All that and more on this week’s episode of Don The Stat. Go Dons

_____

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==

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 in the game?

We dive into:

The Giants comeback and where things unravelled
• Elite forward-half pressure that wasn't fully rewarded
• Why ground-level forwards may be becoming a bigger issue
• Sullivan Robey's Rising Star performance and Dyson Sharp's cruel injury setback
• Mid-season contract calls: who's safe and who's under pressure?
• Fremantle's rise into premiership contention and what makes them so dangerous
• Selection headaches, tactical matchups and whether Setterfield should return

Plus Jono celebrates a birthday live on air... and opens a surprise gift 🎁

Can the Bombers respond against one of the AFL's hottest teams?

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

The episode also covers Essendon's evolving style, key statistical trends and the broader rebuild trajectory around the current young core.

___

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==

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 Brisbane’s uncontested ball movement.

There’s discussion around the development of the Bombers’ young core, the impact of Sam Durham’s return to the midfield, Nate Caddy’s fiery comments, and whether Essendon’s current midfield balance is sustainable.

The episode also dives into:

The leaked Brisbane whiteboard and the fallout from it
The media treatment of Ben McKay
Brad Scott speculation and reaction to recent reporting
Injury updates including Saad El-Hawli and Brayden Fiorini
Why GWS has regressed in 2026 despite strong contested numbers
How Essendon can exploit the Giants at stoppage and territory

Plus, the boys reflect on reaching 100 Match Previews since Don The Stat began in 2022 and what the journey has meant to them and the Essendon community.

Go Dons.

_____

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==

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 by 77 points. Now they return to Marvel Stadium to face the back-to-back premiers Brisbane Lions, one of the AFL’s benchmark sides.

In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down what went wrong against the Pies, the growing importance of centre bounce battles, and why team balance hurt Essendon last week.

They also dive into:

The criticism surrounding Ben McKay and where fan behaviour crosses the line
Green shoots from young Bombers including Saad El-Hawli, Nate Caddy and Archer Day-Wicks
Isaac Kako’s injury setback and the latest selection changes
Why Elijah Tsatas being omitted raises questions
Brisbane’s elite clearance game, scoring power and where they can still be exposed
Key match-ups including Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron and former Bomber Sam Draper
What Essendon must do to stay in the fight against the reigning premiers

Plus, Humey shares a special family moment ahead of the match, with son Oscar attending his first Essendon game.

A big test awaits. Can the Bombers respond?

____

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==

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 damage.

We dive into the evolving midfield mix, the impact of Tsatas, McGrath and Wright, and the defensive lift from our half forwards led by Durham and Day-Wicks.

Then we turn our attention to Collingwood. A side that continues to grind games into arm wrestles, but is showing some vulnerability in 2026. We unpack their numbers, their reliance on Nick Daicos, and where Essendon can get the game on our terms.

We also run through selection, including the inclusion of Dyson Sharp, and what that means structurally heading into one of the biggest games of the season.

All roads lead to the MCG on Anzac Day. The stage is set.

Can this young Essendon side take the next step?

____

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==

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 a Suns side coming off back-to-back losses but still one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the competition.

In this episode, we break down:

The tactical adjustments that turned the Melbourne game
Darcy Parish’s return to form and what it means for the midfield
How Essendon controlled momentum and limited scoring damage
The Suns’ strengths, vulnerabilities, and what’s changed in 2026
Key matchups, including Petracca’s return and the midfield battle
Whether Essendon can replicate the pressure and contest that drove last week’s win

Plus, we touch on Jacob Farrow’s Rising Star nomination, Archie May’s contract extension, and what success looks like heading into a crucial stretch of the season.

One win doesn’t make a season but another might just change the trajectory.

🎧 Listen now and get ready for Round 6.

_____

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==

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 of Essendon’s worst football of the year early, before producing some of their most encouraging after quarter time.

The boys dig into the clearance problems, the damage done from kick-ins, the midfield adjustments that helped steady things, and why Isaac Kako’s time around the ball continues to be one of the more interesting developments in this side.

They also discuss the return of Tom Edwards, the growing structural squeeze in the forward line, and the challenge Essendon still faces when momentum swings hard against them.

From there, attention turns to Melbourne. A side rejuvenated in 2026, playing with speed, dare and confidence under a new coach. Jono and Humey assess the Demons’ list changes, their strong start to the season, the threat posed by Max Gawn, Jack Steele and Kozzie Pickett, and what Essendon has to do at centre bounce and in general play to give itself a chance.

There’s also a fresh Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, injury discussion from the VFL, and a look at Tommy Wolfe’s thoughtful Hold the Line piece on rebuilds, patience and why clubs can’t keep changing course every time the pressure builds.

Can Essendon turn second-half improvement into a four-quarter performance? Or will Melbourne’s confidence and firepower prove too much?

Listen now and get set for Gather Round.

Hold the line (Tommy Wolfe): https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/hold-the-line/

___

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==

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 turn performance into results.

In this episode, we break down what went wrong (and what went right) against North. From improved ball movement and structural tweaks, to familiar issues in front of goal and defensive transition—we dig into the data behind a game that probably should have been won.

But the challenge only gets tougher.

The Western Bulldogs arrive undefeated in 2026, with one of the most dangerous midfields in the competition and a forward line that can hurt you in multiple ways. We analyse what makes them so effective, where they might be vulnerable, and what Essendon needs to do to stay in the contest.

Plus:

Debutant watch and signs of life from the half-forward line
The ongoing clearance battle—and why it shapes everything
The Damian Barrett Award returns with another facepalm media take
Should more voices at the club be fronting the media?

A huge test awaits. Is there anything to suggest a response is coming?

_____

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==

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 fortnight: clearance struggles, poor transition, lack of movement ahead of the ball, and the growing debate around leadership and on-field cohesion.

The conversation also looks at whether Essendon’s biggest problem is what they’re doing with the ball or without it, why some of the contest numbers aren’t translating into better team performance, and the few bright spots to come from another tough day — including strong signs from Nate Caddy, Kako, Zak Johnson and Archie Roberts.

There’s also discussion on:

Brad Scott’s candid post-match comments
The latest injury news on Mason Redman, Vigo Visentini, Dyson Sharp and Nick Bryan
Another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination
North Melbourne’s early-season profile, selection changes and where they can hurt Essendon
The key tactical battles, including Tristan Xerri in the ruck, the Larkey-Zurhaar forward threat, and how the Bombers can give themselves a chance at Marvel

After two heavy losses, this week is less about perfection and more about response.

Can Essendon steady the ship against North Melbourne?

______

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==

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 transition problems, we give the Hawks loss the full Don The Stat treatment.

We also take a look at the wider reaction to Essendon’s start to the season, including this week’s Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, and discuss the reported long-term contract offer put to Zach Merrett.

Then we turn our attention to Sunday afternoon’s clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. With both sides coming off disappointing Round 1 losses, we break down Port’s list changes, their 2025 drop-off, what went wrong against North Melbourne, and where Essendon can attack.

Can the Bombers respond? And where does the improvement need to come from first?

All that and more on this week’s episode of Don The Stat.

Episode Highlights* Full review of Essendon’s Round 1 loss to Hawthorn * Why midfield and clearance issues were the biggest concern * Forward structure, territory and turnover analysis * Damian Barrett Award nomination * Zach Merrett contract talk * Port Adelaide preview: list changes, tactics and key match-ups * What Essendon must fix to bounce back in Round 2

________

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==

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 points count.

The guys break down everything you need to know ahead of Friday night.

In this episode we cover:

Angus Clarke’s injury and what it means for Essendon’s early season plans
Lachlan Blakiston’s contract extension and his role as the Bombers’ Round 1 ruck
What we learned from Opening Round across the AFL and the impact of the new rules
A statistical deep dive into Hawthorn’s game style and where Essendon can attack them
Lessons from last year’s Round 1 meeting between the two sides
Key tactical battles including clearances, turnovers and Hawthorn’s intercept defence
How Essendon can limit Hawthorn’s dangerous small forwards
Our final thoughts and expectations for the Bombers in Round 1

It’s the first real test of the season, with three debutants, new roles across the ground and plenty of intrigue around how Essendon will look in 2026.

Can the Bombers take advantage of Hawthorn’s midfield vulnerabilities and start the season with a statement win?

Breaking down the Zach Merrett ‘Deal’ - https://www.donthestat.com/post/the-zach-merrett-trade-that-never-was

____

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==

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 most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

Guernsey Number 1. Over the decades, the jumper passed through many hands, sometimes briefly, sometimes for long stretches but always onto players the club trusted.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 2 - worn in Essendon’s first Premiership, carried through multiple flag eras, and still evolving as the club moves forward.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 1 and Guernsey Number 1.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 3 - worn in Essendon’s first Premiership, carried through multiple flag eras, and still evolving as the club moves forward.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 2 and Guernsey Number 2.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 4 - a number that quietly carries Brownlow medals, Premierships, leadership and legacy.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 3 and Guernsey Number 3.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 5 - worn in Essendon’s first Premiership, carried through multiple flag eras, and still evolving as the club moves forward.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 4 and Guernsey Number 4.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 6 - a jumper steeped in leadership, resilience, and Premiership success.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 6 and Guernsey Number 6.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 losing streak, the big question is whether the young Bombers can take a step forward in 2026.

In this episode we analyse:

What the practice matches revealed
The key statistical trends that shaped Essendon’s 2025 season
Which metrics will matter most in 2026
List changes and emerging young talent
The biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad
A full SWOT analysis of the Bombers
Our three bold predictions for the season ahead

Plus:

Another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination
Discussion around Essendon’s midfield, intercept game and turnover defence
Which players have surged into Round 1 contention

If Essendon is going to improve in 2026, the answers will likely come from territory, turnovers and transition football.

We break down exactly what to watch for.

_____

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==

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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 6 and Guernsey Number 6.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

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 losing streak, the big question is whether the young Bombers can take a step forward in 2026.

In this episode we analyse:

What the practice matches revealed
The key statistical trends that shaped Essendon’s 2025 season
Which metrics will matter most in 2026
List changes and emerging young talent
The biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad
A full SWOT analysis of the Bombers
Our three bold predictions for the season ahead

Plus:

Another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination
Discussion around Essendon’s midfield, intercept game and turnover defence
Which players have surged into Round 1 contention

If Essendon is going to improve in 2026, the answers will likely come from territory, turnovers and transition football.

We break down exactly what to watch for.

_____

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==

We are officially 8 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 8 a jumper that has been worn by Premiership players, prolific goal-kickers, and some of the club’s most durable performers.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 7 and Guernsey Number 7.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 9 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 8 and Guernsey Number 8.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 10 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 10 stands as one of the most powerful symbols in Essendon history.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 9 and Guernsey Number 9.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 11 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 10 and Guernsey Number 10.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

Our unbeaten pre-season run is over.

In our final hit-out before Round 1, Essendon went down to St Kilda in Ballarat and this one gave us a much clearer picture of where the side is really at.

Normally, First Thoughts is exclusive to our Patreon community. But as promised for pre-season, we’re releasing this one publicly.

In this episode we cover:

❌ The Concerns* A passive midfield beaten at centre bounce (9–18 clearances) * Poor use of the spare at stoppage * Zach Merrett behind the ball – lesson learned? * An eight-minute third-quarter lapse that broke the game open

✅ The Positives* Aggressive forward-half press returns (six forward-half turnovers in the first half) * Dyson Sharp’s composure, strength and score involvements * Lachie Blackiston’s competitiveness against Marshall & De Koning * Zach Johnson’s most complete game yet * Signs the structure is holding up - outside of one costly burst

The margin ended up seven goals, but the game was within seven points late in the third quarter before St Kilda capitalised on centre bounce dominance and 6-6-6 momentum.

Plenty to tidy up. Plenty to like.

We break it down. High level, immediate reaction, no overreactions.

Full review and season preview coming Thursday.

We are officially 12 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 12 reflects Essendon’s blend of Premiership success, leadership, and enduring contribution to the club’s culture.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 11 and Guernsey Number 11.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 13 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 12 and Guernsey Number 12.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 14 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 14 - has been worn by Premiership players, durable servants, and modern stars. A number that continues to carry weight at Essendon.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 13 and Guernsey Number 13.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

The Bombers are undefeated in 2026…after one practice match.

Ahead of the season, we jumped on with our Patreon subscribers for a live pre-season Q&A and tackled the big questions shaping Essendon’s year.

We covered:

Where to play Zach Merrett for maximum impact 🏃‍♂️
The Ridley injury debate and backline balance
Why we’re more bullish on Essendon than Richmond in 2026
Scores from turnover and the stat we don’t talk about enough
If we could go all-in on one free agent…
Whether this list is capable of winning a final
And the big one. Can Brad Scott take Essendon to September success?

Thanks to our Patrons for jumping on live

Mid-season bye Q&A coming up later in the year.

Stay safe. Go Dons. 🔴⚫️

____

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==

We are officially 15 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 14 and Guernsey Number 14.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 16 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 16 - has been worn by Premiership players across multiple eras and now sits firmly in the hands of Essendon’s next generation.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 15 and Guernsey Number 15.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 17 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 16 and Guernsey Number 16.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 18 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 18 stands as one of Essendon’s most decorated jumpers — spanning Premierships from 1911 to the modern era and worn by some of the club’s greatest names.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 17 and Guernsey Number 17.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 19 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 18 and Guernsey Number 18.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 20 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 20 stands as a symbol of longevity, forward firepower, and Premiership success throughout Essendon’s history.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 19 and Guernsey Number 19.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

Essendon’s first practice match of 2026 is in the books and so are our First Thoughts.

Normally exclusive to our Patreon subscribers, we’ve made this pre-season edition public so you can hear how we break down games immediately after the siren.

In this episode:

Negatives

Another slow start. Jumped again early
Forward defensive habits still inconsistent
Ball use (improved as the game wore on)
The concern around Jordan Ridley’s calf setback

Positives

Strong corridor defence even when under pressure
Emerging roles: Duursma and Roberts look like real positional shifts
Midfield contest work
Sharp hands and ground ball wins from the next wave
Darcy Parish looking fit and back to his best

We take it with a grain of salt, it’s February, after all but there were clear themes worth noting.

No Jack Kirby Medal votes for practice matches, but the structure, habits and system clues are already showing.

If you enjoy this format, our First Thoughts episodes drop after every single game for Patreon members throughout the season.

Stay Safe & Go Dons. 🔴⚫

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 21 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 20 and Guernsey Number 20.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

With Essendon’s first practice match a day away, we bring in the best training watcher in the business, Rick Edwards, to break down everything we’ve learned from the 2026 pre-season.

From role changes and standout performers to new recruits and Round 1 prospects, this is your most comprehensive look yet at how the Bombers are shaping up.

We cover:

How this pre-season compares to 2025
The evolving game plan
Xavier Duursma’s shift to half forward
Archie Roberts’ midfield exposure
Brayden Fiorini’s leadership impact
Updates on Robey, Farrow, Sharp, Kondogiannis & El-Achkar
Concerns, question marks and what still needs work
And yes… the latest nomination for the Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award (#DBLAA)

Balanced. Informed. No fluff.

If you want to know what’s actually happening at The Hangar, this is the episode.

🔗 Rick’s Patreon link - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards
🔴⚫ Don The Stat Patreon Q&A next week

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

__

We are officially 22 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 22 stands as a symbol of scoring impact and Premiership pedigree at the Essendon Football Club

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 21 and Guernsey Number 21.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 23 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 22 and Guernsey Number 22.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 24 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 24 - a jumper defined by endurance, Premiership success, and some of the longest-serving players the club has ever produced.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 23 and Guernsey Number 23.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 25 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 25 — a number defined by goals, Premierships, and one of the most durable scoring forwards the club has ever seen.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

Thanks to Robert Shaw for being a part of this episode.

We are officially 26 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 26 — a number defined by elite goalkicking, leadership, Premiership success, and one very important link to Don The Stat itself.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 26 and Guernsey Number 26.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 27 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 27 — a jumper defined by ruck royalty, Premiership success, and one of the most enduring individual legacies in Essendon history.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 28 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Guernsey Number 28 — a number shaped by durability, Premiership success, and one of the great long-term custodians in club history.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 27 and Guernsey Number 27.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We’re 29 days out from Round 1… and that means one thing for Essendon fans:

Selection season has officially begun.

On this special episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Ian are joined by former Essendon premiership architect and two-time senior AFL coach Robert Shaw, who steps into the role of Chairman of Selectors.

The task? Pick the Essendon side best placed to take on Hawthorn in Round 1.

This isn’t a “Best 23” debate.

It’s about matchups. Structure. Game style. And how the Bombers should approach a Hawks side missing key midfield pieces.

We cover:

🔴 How match committee operated in the past (and a classic Andrew Welsh story)
🔴 Whether Hawthorn’s Opening Round game is an advantage or disadvantage
🔴 Defensive matchups for Chol, Lewis, Gunston, Watson & Ginnivan
🔴 The midfield battle without, Day or Worpel
🔴 Do you tag Newcombe?
🔴 How Lachlan Blakiston shapes up against Meek and possibly Reeves
🔴 A pace-heavy forward line vs structural discipline
🔴 Patron-voted Round 1 side vs our own selections
🔴 The unlucky names who just miss out

Plus, Rob gives his expectations for Essendon in 2026.

Selection debates don’t get much better than this.

Stay Safe & Go Dons.

____

Footy Tipping Comp (password: DonTheStat2026) https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Don_The_Stat_2026_Tipping?p=DonTheStat2026

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==

We are officially 29 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 29 — a jumper with Premiership history, and a Reynolds family thread across generations.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 30 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 30 — a number that has quietly carried Premiership players, long-serving contributors, and now the next generation.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 29 and Guernsey Number 29.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

In this episode of Don The Stat, we sit down with Xavier Duursma as he reflects on his third pre-season at Essendon Football Club and why this one feels like a turning point.

After playing the most games of his career in 2025, Xavier speaks openly about how his body is tracking, the confidence that comes from continuity, and how that’s allowed him to fully invest in his game.

We dive into:

his role heading into 2026 and what it demands
the differences between playing wing and half-forward
what he brings to Essendon’s forward line
the impact of new Assistant Coach Dean Solomon
his leadership aspirations and what growth off the field looks like for him
how his brother is settling in at West Coast Eagles
and what excites him most about Essendon in 2026, including big praise for Jordan Ridley and the club’s new draftees.

It’s a conversation about role clarity, trust in your body, learning from strong coaches, and stepping into greater responsibility all pointing toward why Xavier believes 2026 could be an exciting year.

🎧 A must-listen for Bombers fans tracking how this list and its leaders are evolving.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 31 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 31 — a number that grew into greatness, and ultimately became inseparable from one of the greatest careers the game has seen.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 32 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 32 — a number defined by longevity, leadership, and Premiership success across generations.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Day 31 and Guernsey Number 31.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 34 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 33 — a number rich in Premiership history, longevity, and attacking excellence.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 34 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 34 — a number that carries Premiership history, generational links, and the start of several important Essendon journeys.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 35 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 35 — a number defined by durability, Premiership success, and long-term service.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

The 2026 season is officially underway at Don The Stat.

With just weeks until Essendon’s first practice match and Round 1 against Hawthorn looming, Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume return for the first formal episode of the year to take stock of where the Bombers are really at.

In this season opener, the boys cover:

Year five of Don The Stat and the growing Patreon community
The 2026 countdown series exploring every Essendon jumper number
A quiet but encouraging off-season and what “no news” actually means
The ongoing CEO search and whether it should concern supporters
A first entrant for the 2026 Terrible Media Takes Award (an award that has a new name)
Insights from club media day, including interviews with Darcy Parish and Xavier Duursma
Three reasons for optimism heading into 2026
Three genuine areas of concern
Listener questions on improvement areas and realistic ladder position

Plus, a look ahead at what’s coming next at Don The Stat HQ

Balanced, honest, and grounded in evidence - this is your starting point for the 2026 Essendon season.

________

Footy Tipping Comp (password: DonTheStat2026) https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Don_The_Stat_2026_Tipping?p=DonTheStat2026

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==

We are officially 36 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 36 — a number tied to Premierships, resilience, and one of the most famous family moments the game has ever seen.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

In this episode of Don The Stat, we sit down with Darcy Parish for one of his most open and reflective conversations yet.

Darcy talks through the recent news of he and his wife expecting their second child in August, and how fatherhood is reshaping his perspective both on and off the field.

We talk about his fitness - why he made the trip to Baltimore in search of answers, and the collaboration between Darcy, Essendon’s high performance team, and external specialists to rebuild him physically.

From there, Darcy opens up on:

what “fit and firing” actually looks like for him now
the role he sees himself playing in 2026
the teammates he’s most excited to line up alongside
and why there’s a genuine sense of belief building at Essendon Football Club.

🎧 A must-listen for Bombers fans heading into 2026.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 37 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 37 — a number that took time to find its identity, but now firmly belongs in the modern era.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 38 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 38 — a number that has repeatedly marked the beginning of long, successful Essendon journeys.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 39 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 39 — a number that has repeatedly marked the beginning of long, successful Essendon journeys.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 40 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 40 — a number that evolved from a fringe role into a modern-day mainstay.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 41 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 41 — a transitional number, often worn at the very start of journeys that went on to shape Essendon history.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 42 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 42 — defined not by silverware in the number, but by longevity, responsibility, and ownership.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 43 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 43 — a Premiership jumper at birth, and a cult classic in the modern era.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 44 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

AAcross its history, Guernsey Number 44 has been worn for 234 senior games, often acting as a stepping stone for players who would go on to play key roles in Essendon sides.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 45 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 45 — a number that evolved evolving from a short-term jumper into a genuine modern-era mainstay.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 46 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Across its history, Guernsey Number 46 has been worn for 80 senior games, often marking the beginning of a player’s journey rather than the destination.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 47 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 47 — a jumper that’s been passed through many hands — often briefly, but sometimes as the foundation for much bigger careers.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 48 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Across its history, Guernsey Number 48 has been worn for 43 senior games, making it a jumper that, while rarely held long-term, has consistently produced scoreboard impact.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 49 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 daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 49 — a launching pad number, and an important early chapter for some of Essendon’s greatest stories.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

We are officially 52 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 48 — a number that’s quietly delivered goals across generations and remains part of Essendon’s present.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 51 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 51 — another number defined by short-term ownership rather than long-term possession.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 52 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 52 — a number that briefly introduced a champion, and reappeared in one of the most unusual seasons the club has faced.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 53 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 53 — a number that’s popped up across generations, often briefly, but always as part of Essendon’s official playing history.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 54 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 54 — a number that links two very different eras of the club, separated by more than 40 years.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 55 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 55 — a number defined by short stints, transitions, and its place within the broader guernsey journey of several Bombers.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 56 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 56 — not defined by longevity, but by a series of short appearances that stretch across multiple eras of the club.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 57 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 57 — not defined by longevity, but by a series of short appearances that stretch across multiple eras of the club.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 58 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 daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Jumper Number 58 only appeared once at Essendon, it still represents an official moment in the club’s history — the ceiling of the guernsey list, and the starting point of this countdown.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

We are officially 59 days out from Essendon’s Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG on Friday night — 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.

From tomorrow, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers.

Who wore it first.
Who wore it most.
Which Premiership players pulled it on.
Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.

By the time we get to Number 1, we’ll be on the eve of Round 1 — and we’ll have walked through more than a century of Essendon history, one jumper at a time.

Day 58 starts tomorrow. And we look forward to sharing it with you.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

It’s our end-of-year wrap for 2025 — and we’re packing a lot in.

Jono and Humey cover Craig Vozzo’s departure and why his three-year tenure matters, then dive deep on Essendon’s 2025 draft haul (including the move that landed pick 9) and what it means for list balance heading into 2026.

From Sullivan Robey’s high-upside profile and Jacob Farrow’s left-foot class, to Dyson Sharp looking ready-made for AFL midfield minutes, we break down roles, risks, and the gaps still left to fill. We also touch on the Nic Martin setback, the Will Setterfield replacement decision, Angus Clarke’s extension, and what the new leadership group says about where the club is headed.

To finish, we run through our 2026 predictions and the stats we’ll be watching most — scores from turnover, intercepts, inside 50s and efficiency, contested work, and whether the Bombers can finally lift the percentage back over 100.

Plus: a big thank you to our Patreon community, our guests across the year, and everyone who’s helped make Don The Stat what it is.

We’ll be back in late January with pre-season check-ins, best 23s, practice match breakdowns, and the Patreon Q&A (and yes… maybe another countdown).

___

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==

In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Ian dive into a stack of listener-submitted hot takes for the 2026 season, ranging from the genuinely insightful to the absolutely off-the-rails.

We cover list size reform, the Zach Merrett trade debate, and whether Scott Gumbleton is Essendon’s biggest non-saga “what if” of the past 20 years. We look at coaching structures, concussion subs, the new ruck rules, and whether Blakiston could really be in All-Australian conversations.

There’s chat about the supplements saga, whether Rutten was unfairly blamed, and a surprising number of predictions centred on Zach Reid, Nate Caddy, Archie Perkins, Lewis Hayes and Dyson Sharp.

We also tackle the takes around our physicality, assistant coaching hires, injury management, and how far (or close) Essendon really is from having enough A-grade talent.

And of course… someone wants Nik Cox to rotate through the midfield and someone else believes the AFL finally moves on from Damian Barrett.

Plenty of laughs, plenty of debate, and plenty of opinions you won’t hear anywhere else.

____

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==

With trade week done and dusted, it’s time to turn our attention to the 2025 National Draft.

Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume are joined by draft watcher and training-vision legend Rick Edwards for a deep dive into the players Essendon could target with picks 5, 6, 21, 27 and 30.

Rick shares his Top 10 prospects, breaks down the strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons of names like Willem Duursma, Sullivan Robey, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Xavier Taylor, and reveals a few smokeys who might surprise on draft night.

We also discuss Essendon’s Next Gen Academy prospects Adam Sweid and Hussein El-Achkar, plus some future Bombers to watch in Blake Justice, Koby Bewick and Tevita Rodan.

It’s an episode packed with analysis, insight, and the kind of detail only Don The Stat brings.

_______________________

Links:

Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat

Don The Stat Patreon

Rick's Patreon

Don The Stat on Facebook

Don The Stat on Instagram

Follow Us on X / Twitter

Jono / Ian

And Bluesky:

Jono / Ian

Don The Stat returns with a full breakdown of Essendon’s 2025 trade period and a clear-eyed preview of the AFL Draft.

Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume unpack:

The Zach Merrett trade standoff: what Hawthorn offered, why Essendon said no, and what it means for 2026.

Andrew Welsh’s early moves as President and the stabilising effect on the club.

Dean Solomon’s appointment as defensive coach and how it reshapes the box.

Brayden Fiorini’s role (elite disposal/interrupt profile on a true wing) and the value he adds after significant experience losses.

Ruck strategy without Draper/Goldstein: backing in Nick Bryan and depth options.

List changes: Ben Hobbs and Luamon Lual delisted, Setterfield watch.

Draft strategy with picks 5, 6, 21, 27 & 30, live-trade scenarios, and how NGA prospects Adam Sweid & Hussein El-Achkar shape pick movement.

Midfield needs (size + burst), half-forward options, and why trading up looks unlikely.

Chris De Silva article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-17/afl-trade-period-analysis-zach-merrett-first-round-pick-value/105898588

______________

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==

Ian is joined by Todd from the Flight Plan Podcast as we take stock on the Trade Period as of Friday the 10th of October.

This was recorded live on Twitter Spaces. As such, the audio quality was not the best. Apologies for that

Follow the Flight Plan here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ALXYwGNJN9AiJTQGVdpeQ

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==

Jono and Ian present the second annual Jack Kirby Medal, the Don the Stat Best and Fairest award voted by the Hosts and the Patrons. We reflect on each game in the year and award the winner this prestigious award.

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==

Ian and Rick Edwards are back to go over the performance of Essendon's players in 2025, from Archie Roberts to Liam McMahon.

Follow Rick on X at https://x.com/BomberRicko

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==

Ian is joined by friend of the show Rick Edwards to rate and review the seasons of each Essendon player who played a senior game in 2025. In Part 1 we go from McGrath to Wright. Part 2 with the rest of the players will be out shortly.

Follow Rick on X at https://x.com/BomberRicko

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==

Jono and Ian take questions from their Patrons who joined them live on Zoom. Lots to discuss on the season that was, especially regarding the Captain of the club and all the news swirling around that now.

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==

Jono and Ian review the annus horribilis that was the Essendon 2025 Season, digging into the stats and gameplan issues that reared their heads. They also talk about some of the difficult list management decisions that the club faces heading in to the Drafts and Trade period.

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==

Jono and Ian give an extended First Thoughts after the loss to [Redacted]. Jono then goes through his five biggest list priorities for Essendon before looking at how the Bombers can spoil the Suns final's chances in the last game of the season.

Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian examine a loss against the Saints that had more positives than negatives. They look into the consequences of recent list decisions before looking how the Dons can finish a year on a high with a win over the old enemy.

Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Ian and Jono disect the good and bad from our Geelong performance. Jono comes off the long run in responding to some media tripe before the boys look at how the Bombers can get their seventh win of the season against the Saints this week.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and an examine an improved performance agains the Swans. They do a deep dive into the claim that Archie Perkins is a 'draft bust' before trying to find a pathway to success against the Cats.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

It's Groundhog Day for Jono and Ian as they examine another Bulldogs belting. They look around the competition for Moneyball trade targets from other clubs before looking at the clash against the Swans at the SCG.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian talk about a Giants game that was better than the margin suggested. They then do a deep dive into the list management decisions coming up in the off-season before looking at how the Bombers can redeem themselves after their last game against the Bulldogs.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

After a disappointing night against the Tigers, Jono and Ian sift through the wreckage. They then turn their thoughts to our clash this week against the Giants.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian examine a competitive performance against the Suns. They talk about things that the media isn't before looking at how the Bombers can get back on the winners list against the Tigers.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono returns from overseas as the Bombers resume their season against the Suns at Marvel Stadium after their bye.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian are back for their annual Bye Round Q&A episode, joined live by some of ther fantastic patrons.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Timezone differences mean Jono and Ian can't record together, but both give their thoughts on the belting by Geelong before looking at how Essendon can turn around their form againist the Dockers.

Fill in the entry form to be in a chance to win a Double Pass to see Isaac Kako and Archie Perkins on Wednesday 25th of June at the Sporting Globe Chirnside Park - https://forms.gle/sy3gNmbwcoPuE2Gd8

Link to tickets - https://sportingglobe.com.au/bombers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK_dW9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFNVkg3VzNDbGVidlBpQXA2AR7LGxNjmoD1a6A25X5M70nkWOJoExp4fZ8x9cbgDWDEzTb-IikCYhK8tFuEdg_aem_-Yam5WOePBKxUhwmx1iJ9g

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian experience Deja vu as they examine the Bombers slow start and comeback in their loss to the Blues. Then, as Jono sets off for England, Patron Josh Wilson joins the show to help preview the clash against the Cats.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian drill down into the positives coming out of our loss to the Lions. They then dig deep into what's been going on with [Redacted] this season before looking at how we can get the win on King's Birthday Eve.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian talk about the Bombers getting back on the winners list against the Tigers. They do a deep dive into Essendon's Mid-Season draft haul before considering how they can maul the Lions at the Gabba.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian find the words to deal with the demoralising loss against the Dogs before looking at how the Dons can rebound against the Tigers at Dreamtime.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian examine a win against the Swans that showed real signs of a team that is on the cusp of doing something special before turning their attention to a big clash against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Support Jono's Memory walk in the fight against Dementia here: https://www.memorywalk.com.au/fundraiser/jonathanwalsh

Jono and Ian examine the ups and downs of Essnedon's 3 point win against North Melbourne and do a deep dive into the performances of Archie Perkins. They then turn their attention to the Bombers round 9 opponent in the Swans.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian examine the ups and downs of Essnedon's 3 point win against North Melbourne and do a deep dive into the performances of Archie Perkins. They then turn their attention to the Bombers round 9 opponent in the Swans.

Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian review an ANZAC day clash against the Pies where the Bombers threatened for a time before the class of the ladder leaders won out. They then preview North Melbourne's annual Grand Final and look to how the Bombers can bring up their twelth consecutive win against the Kangaroos.

Stubby Holder Expression of Interest - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeuAuP0MhTplGHp2GFSlyLU-fRK3lZZvDVur50AxpqWWnmXg/viewform?usp=dialog

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian examine the close win against the Eagles before disecting the fallout from the Sam Draper injury. They then turn their attention to the annual ANZAC day clash and look at the areas where the Magpies might be vulnerable this week.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Ian and Jono analyse another successful Gather Round victory against the Demons. They look at how this weekend's news has impacted our ruck situation before previewing the Bombers' trip across the Nullarbor to face the Eagles.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

The Great Debate takes place as Ian argues for acquiring Harley Reid whilst Jono takes the negative position. We then turn to the Demons and look at how Essendon can get their second win in a row at Gather Round.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian review Essendon's first win of the year against Port Adelaide. They then address a range of questions from their Patrons.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono flys solo to dig into the reality of our loss against Adelaide in Round 2 and the positives we can take away from it.
He then turns his attention to their cross town rivals Port Adelaide and how we can get our first win of season 2025.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on X and Bluesky:

Jono on X, Bluesky

Ian at X, Bluesky

Don The Stat Facebook Page

To read the article referenced in this episode - How Port Adelaide could change the game with their no-ruck approach.

First Thoughts are usually a Don The Stat Patreon exclusive, but given the response to Essendon's loss against the Crows on Saturday, we thought we'd add our Thoughts to the pile.

We typically record this together, however we had conflicting social schedules post-match and recorded separately.

You've got Ian first, then Jonathan.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian break down the loss against the Hawks in Round 1. They touch on the first quarter, the stoppage dominance and look at the transition defence issues. They then turn their attention to the Crows and look at how the Bombers can earn their first win of the season.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian return for the first match preview of Season 2025. They look at how the Hawks have developed into one of the top sides in the comp and examine how the Dons can clip their wings in their opening game.

Andrew Wu Article - https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-people-behind-football-s-new-media-who-probably-know-more-about-your-club-than-the-experts-20250307-p5lhw7.html

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

With the Suns game cancelled, Ian and Jono take some questions from their listeners. They talk about how the show started, what it was like for Jono being in the box for the 2000 premiership and discussing Essendon's new list strategy.

Lon Dons Event Information - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/londons-round-1-essendon-vs-hawthorn-tickets-1257086923829

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Ian gets the chance of a quick chat with Nic Martin. Nic talks about his elevation to the leadership group, what he learnt from playing at halfback and who he's excited about for the year ahead.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #1

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #2

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #3

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #4

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #5

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #6

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #7

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #8

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian review the practice game win against Geelong and compare the result from the previous season. They then look ahead to the Bombers season 2025, looking at the stats base from the previous season and undertaking a SWOT analysis for the Dons.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #9

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #10

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

First Thoughts episode's have been released to all for the Practice matches, but will be Patreon exclusive for the regular season. Sign up with the link below to listen to these in the regular season and vote on the Jack Kirby medal

Jono and Ian give their First Thoughts following the practice match against Geelong.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #11. Ian is joined by former Essendon Board Member Ben Dunn.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #12. Thanks to Patrons James Lowrie and Rachele Di Maio for appearing on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round.

We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #13. Thanks to former Essendon Player & Assistant Coach Robert Shaw appearing on today's episode.

Find us at donthestat.com.au

Get more in depth analysis, listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon.

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

Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 39 Days to GoDon The StatPlay Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #14. Ian is joined by Don The Stat Patron Matt Pocock. Follow Matt at https://x.com/Splendiferoo90

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #15. Thanks to Jez from the Windy Hill Windsock for appearing on this episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian are joined by their Patrons for their Pre-Season Q&A episode, looking ahead to season 2025.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #16. Thanks to Patron Andrew Boocock for joining today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #17. Ian is joined by Don The Stat Patron Daniel Stubbs

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #18. Ian is joined by Don The Stat Patron Philip Crooks for today's episode

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #29. Thanks to Patron Richard Hallett for joining us on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #20. Thanks to Patron James Lowrie for appearing on this episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

**2025 premiere First Thoughts episode. These will appear post game to give our initial thoughts both positive and negative coming out of a game.

There will be another one of these on the main feed post the Geelong Practice Match, but during the regular season these First Thoughts will be exclusive to Patreon**

Jono gives his Positives and Negatives for the Practice Match against the Western Bulldogs.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #21. Thanks to Patron James Lowrie for joining today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #22. Thanks to Patron Craig McGill for joining me on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian are joined once again by Essendon Training watcher Rick Edwards for his pre-season training update. Rick goes through the postives, the concerns and gives us his insights on the new players that have joined the Essendon Football club since last season.

Follow Rick on Twitter at https://x.com/BomberRicko

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #23. Ian is joined by former Essendon Board Member Ben Dunn.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #24. Thanks to former Essendon Player & Assistant Coach Robert Shaw appearing on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #25. Ian is joined by former Board member Ben Dunn.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #26

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #27. Big thanks to Patron Max Wilson for joining today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #28

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #29

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian make their selections for how they would like the Dons to line up in the Opening Round game against the Gold Coast Suns.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #30

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #31. Thanks to Patron Gerard Feehan for joining today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #32. Ian is joined by Patron Richard Hallett today.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #33. Thanks to Patron Joshua Ryan for appearing on this episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #34. Is is joined by Todd from the Flight Plan podcast. Follow Todd on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/toddjdavey.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #54. Ian is joined by Patron James Lowrie. Follow James at https://x.com/JamesLowrie24

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #36. Ian is joined by Patron Daniel Stubbs.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Jono and Ian make their triumphant Main pod return in Season 2025. They talk about a new role for Dylan Shiel, go over the highs and lows of the Don The Stat Countdown and do a deep dive into the past 15 years of Essendon game plans.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #37. Ian is joined by former Essendon Board Member Ben Dunn

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #38. Ian is joined by Patron Vince Taskunas for today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #39. Ian is joined by Don The Stat Patron Phillip Crooks for today's episode

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #40.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #54. Ian is joined by Alex Fair. Follow Alex at https://x.com/AJFair85

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #42. Ian is joined by Rick Edwards. Follow Rick at https://x.com/BomberRicko

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #43. Ian is joined by Rick Edwards. Follow Rick at https://x.com/BomberRicko

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #44

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #45

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #46. Ian is joined by Scott from the Lunchtime Catch Up Podcast. Follow her at https://bsky.app/profile/scooterefc.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #47 Ian is joined by Alex Fair. Follow Alex at https://x.com/AJFair85

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #48.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #49.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #50.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #51.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #52

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #53.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #54. Ian is joined by Rick Edwards. Follow Rick at https://x.com/BomberRicko

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #55.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #56. Ian is joined by Felix from Everything Essendon. Felix's work can be found at https://youtube.com/@everythingessendon548?si=1329iXUBpU2xz635

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #57. Ian is joined by Scott from the Lunchtime Catch Up Podcast. Follow her at https://bsky.app/profile/scooterefc.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #58.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #59. Is is joined by Todd from the Flight Plan podcast. Follow Todd on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/toddjdavey.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #60.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #61. Thanks to Patron Jeremy Friedman for joining us on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Round 1. We've ranked our top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #62. Ian is joined by Rohan Connolly. Find Rohan's work at Footyology here: https://footyology.com.au/

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 77 Days to GoDon The StatPlay Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #63. Thanks to Jez from the Windy Hill Windsock for appearing on today's episode. Follow Jez at https://bsky.app/profile/jezmond.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 77 Days to GoDon The StatPlay Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #64. Thanks to Patron Phillip Crooks for joining us on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #65

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 77 Days to GoDon The StatPlay Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #66

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #67. Special thanks to patron Vince Taskunas for joining us on today's episode.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 77 Days to GoDon The StatPlay Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #68. Thanks for Don The Stat Patron Tim for joining us on today's episode

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #69. Thanks to Patron Matt Pocock for joining us today.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #70

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #71

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #72

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #73. Big thanks to CharlieDons for joining us on today's episode. Follow him at https://x.com/CharlieDons or https://bsky.app/profile/charliedons.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #74. Thanks to Jex from the Windy Hill Windsock for joining us today. Follow him on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/jezmond.bsky.social

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don the Stat is counting down the Days until Opening Round. We've ranked our Top 100 players for the Essendon football Club Since 1980 and we'll be counting down from 100 - 1 leading up to the first game against the Suns.

Today is player #75

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

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

Don The Stat goes rogue as Jono and Ian respond to AFL hot takes taken from Twitter, Reddit and the Don The Stat Patreon.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian go over the decisions the Essendon made in the 2024 trade period, what they mean for the club going into the draft and whether they could have been more aggressive. They also look ahead to the National Draft and look at what the Bombers will be adding in Isaac Kako.

Jono and Ian present the Jack Kirby Medal, the Don The Stat best and Fairest Award for Essendon's 2024 season, as voted by the Hosts and Don The Stat Patrons. Who will take out this prestigous award?

You can watch a video of this presentation here: https://youtu.be/353YN3zlSas

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined by some of their Patreons to answer their questions about the Bombers in 2024 and what to expect from the Draft and Trade period.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono's back to join Ian in reviewing the 2024 Season for the Bombers. They dig into what the stats tell us, how the gameplan looks and the positives and negatives from the year. Then they look at the list management for the Dons and potential players from other clubs that could help propel the Bombers forward in 2025.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Ian is joined by friend of the show Rick Edwards to do our 2024 Player Review. We go through the entirety of the list and discuss their performance over the course of the season.

Apologies for Ian's microphone levels, there was some recording issues.

Create your own tierlist: https://tiermaker.com/create/essendon-2024-player-rankings-15424955?presentationMode=false

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

It's the final match preview for 2024 as Jono and Ian go over the Swans result and look at the challenge of facing the Lions at home.

Listen to Ian's appearance on the Bombercast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/2024-bigfooty-bombercast-episode-19-sydney-loss-and/id685163451?i=1000666108289

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

After a heartbreaking loss to the Suns at Marvel, Jono and Ian go into detail about how the match slipped away from the Bombers in the final minutes. They pay tribute to the retiring Dyson Heppell before looking at how the Bombers can get back on the winners list vs the surprisingly vulnerable Swans.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian break down the win against Freo and go into detail about the good and the bad. They then turn their attention to the Suns and what the Bombers have to do in order to keep their finals hopes alive.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian examine the contributing factors to the disastrous loss to the Saints. They look into the choices made that has contributed to the loss of form since the bye before looking at how the Dons can turn things around against the flying Dockers.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Essendon do a detailed breakdown of the key moments in the heartbreaking loss to the Crows, before examining the challenge posed by the Saints as the Bombers look to get their season back on track.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian pick up the pieces from a dissapointing loss against the Demons. We go over the out-of-contract players and what the future holds before seeing how the Bombers can bounce back this week against the Crows.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian celebrate the return of the Essendon edge and break down the win over Collingwood. They then turn to the big opportunity to solidify a top four position against the Demons this week.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Ian is lucky to be joined by Essendon Assistant Coach Dale Tapping. We go through Dale's coaching journey, what a week looks like as an assistant coach, how the club is looking to set itself up for success and why everyone is excited about Nate Caddy.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian piece through the wreckage of the Geelong game. They go into a detailed defense of Peter Wright's role in the side before doing examining how we can go one better in our second clash against the Pie this season.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined by their Patrons for a mid-season Q&A session on how the Bombers year has gone so far and what the rest of the season holds.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono returns to the Don the Stat studio to give his views on Essendon season so far. He and Ian review the West Coast game before looking into what needs to be done to get a win over one of the Dons bogey sides in Geelong.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

With Jono overseas, Ian is joined by friend of the show Rick Edwards to go through the loss to Carlton and to preview the match against the Eagles. We also go through the three things we've learned about the Bombers and the three things we're wanting to learn from them over the course of the rest of the season.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

This is the recording of a Twitter Spaces undertaken by Ian with Todd Davey from the Flight Plan Podcast. We go over the Bomber's season so far and what we have to look forward to, with some participation from the live audience.

Apologies for the Audio quality and the fact that my microphone often drops out at the start of my sentences.

Don The Stat proper will return next week.

Flight Plan Pod: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flight-plan-pod

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian go over the first loss in almost two months against the Suns and where the improvements need to come from. They look at the horror injury week before looking ahead to the King's Birthday Eve match against [Redacted].

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

A second Dreamtime win on the trot for the Dons as Jono and Ian look into how the game played out. We touch on our exciting new midseason recruit before looking at how we'll challenge the imposing home ground advantage of the Suns.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

We've been very lucky to have Pat L’Huillier feature as a regular contributor in our Patreon this season.

Pat is a qualified Physiotherapist, having studied a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at Monash University, and also a qualified strength & conditioning coach.

Pat has been working as a physiotherapist for four years now and has been lucky enough to have mentors that have had experience in the AFL industry. He currently works at a sports clinic called Base Physio + Performance in Highett in the Bayside area in Victoria. And is the Head Physiotherapist at Beaumaris Soccer Club in the VPL2 (formerly NPL3).

This audio is part of a broader discussion on knee injuries in the AFL and talks to the type of injury Sam Draper has currently, and what typical surgery and rehab looks like.

Disclaimer: Everything we discuss in this segment is general, and it is likely things will differ from what is happening down at The Hangar. It's designed to be educational, injury timelines and rehabilitation specifics can vary a lot based on the exact structures involved, a player’s past medical history and in top-level sport it is often influenced by external factors such as the time of the year (for example Round 1 vs Finals) or the importance of the player to a team’s success.

You can find Pat on Twitter & Instagram via @pat_physio

Jono and Ian analyse the positive and negatives of the professional win over the league's cellar dwellars. We get excited for the debut of Nate Caddy before turning their attention to the Dreamtime clash against the Tigers.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

A bonus episode for all listeners. We record our First Thoughts exclusive to Patreon each week, in the minutes/hours proceeding the game.

They positives and negatives as we see them, with a focus on the key match ups and parts of our game that worked and those that didn't.

Here's our latest, following our 40 point victory over North Melbourne.

You can find us on Patreon via patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian break down arguably the best Dons win in years against the Giants. They go through all the data points demonstrating the improvement from last year before looking into how the Dons can prevent a comedown against the league's cellar dwellars.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian have lots to unpack from a challenging win against the Eagles. They examine what xScore means before turning their attention to whether the Bombers can get redemption against the high flying Giants.

Tickets to the live show before the Giants can be purchased here: https://www.intix.com.au/event/essendon-fan-podcast-live-event

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian relive the exciting draw on ANZAC day before heading across the Nullarbor to take a close look at the resurgent Eagles and who's been driving their improved performances.

Tickets to the live show against Adelaide can be purchased here: https://www.intix.com.au/event/essendon-fan-podcast-live-event

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined again by the 'Godfather' of Don The Stat, former Essendon player and assistant coach Robert Shaw for a early season check in on where the Bombers are at and what he's thought about the season so far.

Tickets to the live show against Adelaide can be purchased here: https://www.intix.com.au/event/essendon-fan-podcast-live-event

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian relive the frantic finish to the Crows game. They reflect on the privilege of playing on ANZAC day before looking into our matchup against the reigning premiers.

Tickets to the live show against Adelaide can be purchased here: https://www.intix.com.au/event/essendon-fan-podcast-live-event

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian dissect one of the more satisfying wins in recent memory before looking at how the Dons can make it two in a row for the first time this seaosn coming up against the Crows.

Tickets to the live show against Adelaide can be purchased here: https://www.intix.com.au/event/essendon-fan-podcast-live-event

Anth Proc's The Bomber's Blog: https://thebombersblog.wixsite.com/thebombersblog

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian try to make sense of the loss to Port Adelaide. They talk about the long-term processes that need to be in place for success before looking at how the Bombers can beat another bogey side in the Western Bulldogs

Jeff White Tweet: https://x.com/JeffWhite34/status/1777139145246470237

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian review a hard fought win against the Saints. They discuss how to rate Nic Martin's game before looking ahead to our Gather Round opponent in Port Adelaide.

Listen to The Medical Room and our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian examine the on and off-field fallout of the loss to the Swans. They then turn their attention to the Saints and how the Bombers can get back onto the winners list.

Listen to our post-match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian analyse the Round 1 win over the Hawks before turning their attention to the red hot Swans and how the Dons can get challenge the form side of the competition.

Listen to our post-match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

After sitting out Opening Round, the Bombers get their season underway with a matchup at the G against their arch-rivals Hawthorn in Round 1. Jono and Ian talk about some of the media misinterpretations in the build up before turning their attention to how the Dons can start their season with a win.

SuperCoach League Code: 840513

Listen to our post-match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian analyse the Bombers improved perdormance in the final practice game against Geelong before turning their attention to the season ahead. They consider the continuity of the list, examine the strengths and weaknesses of the side before making their predictions for the year ahead.

Jono's appearance on Yank on the Footy pod - https://www.ayankonthefooty.com/312EssendonPreviewwithDontheStats2024/

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

The second episode of our new series of First Thoughts. These will appear post game to give our initial thoughts both positive and negative coming out of a game. During the regular season these First Thoughts will be exclusive to Patreon**

Jono is joined regular guest Andrew, the brothers give their Positives and Negatives for the Practice Match against Geelong.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Andrew at twitter.com/Andrew_Walsh86

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Don The Stat website - https://www.donthestat.com

Jono and Ian take what they can from the St Kilda match sim before turning their attention to the Bombers final hitout before the season against Geelong on Friday night.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

This is the premiere episode of our new series of First Thoughts. These will appear post game to give our initial thoughts both positive and negative coming out of a game. There will be another one of these on the main feed post the Geelong Practice Match, but during the regular season these First Thoughts will be exclusive to Patreon

Jono and Ian give their Positives and Negatives for the Practice Match against St Kilda

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are once again joined by their fantastic Patrons to go through some of the burning questions they have looking forward to the Dons 2024 season.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian put on their selectors caps and choose their sides ahead of Round 1 against the Hawks. One Ruck or Two? Jones or Caddy? Which midfielder of Hobbs, Caldwell and Tsatas misses out? Listen in and find out.

Pick The Season Competition -

https://forms.gle/uvxpU88ycySRa6xh6

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined once again by our favourite training watcher Rick Edwards. Rick gives us all his insights into what he's witnessed at pre-season training, his thoughts on the best performers on the track and runs his eye over all the new recruits that have come to he club - including an indepth look at Nate Caddy.

You can follow Rick on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BomberRicko

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are back for the first Don The Stat episode of 2024. We talk about what's come out of a quiet off-season for the Dons so far, go through some of the project's we've been working on and start getting excited for the year ahead.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

Sash Tenable Episode https://youtu.be/axkurTW7hik?si=NS2yRjrcTTkk0JAB

Jono and Ian return for the final Don The Stat of 2023. They go through the draft acqusitions and discuss what they can potentially add to the side before doing a deep dive into list depth through each line. They then give their predictions for season 2024 before thanking everyone who made this year a great one to do the show.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Ian is joined by Ricky Mangidis, former North Melbourne employer and person behind the Shinboner blog. Ricky joined the show last year to talk about the kind of coach Brad Scott was and what to expect from him, so he's joined us tonight to talk about what he's seen over the first year of the Brad Scott era. We also discuss what to expect from Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein before we look at Essendon as a whole and what needs to improve moving forward.

You can follow Ricky on X at https://twitter.com/rickm18

Check out his work on the Shinboner at https://theshinboner.com/

Follow Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian return for a quick look at the Essendon trade period, analysing the moves made overall and what each of our new players are going to be able to bring to the Bombers in 2024.

ABC Article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-19/winners-and-losers-of-afl-trade-period/102995140

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono returns to join Ian in another Post-Season episode of Don The Stat. We look at what the Bombers can learn from this year's preliminary finalists before going through all the list management news since we last recorded. We then turn our attention to the Free Agency and Trade targets that the Dons have been connected to as the Silly Season begins.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Ian is joined by friend of the show Rick Edwards to review the Essendon player's performance from 2023.

Make your own tier list here: https://tiermaker.com/create/essendon-2023-player-review-15424955?presentationMode=false

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Rick at https://twitter.com/BomberRicko

Jono and Ian are joined live by some of our Patrons to answer questions about where the Bombers are at and what things need to change going into 2024.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

With no more matches to preview for the season, Jono and Ian review the final round loss to Collingwood before turning attention to post-season matters. We turn our gaze over the initial list decisions before giving our initial thoughts on season 2023, including what happened post Adelaide match and why 2023 isn't a 'wasted year'.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian examine the wreckage from the Bombers annihilation against the Giants and try to focus on what can be gained from the season. We address some shallow media analysis and take a look over the list decisions to be made before the end of the year before turning our attention to the Bombers final challenge of 2023, the competition leading Pies.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian examine the Dons second win on the trot against North Melbourne. They do a deep dive into the Contested Defensive One-On-One stats and what that shows about Jayden Laverde's season before turning their attention to the must win game against the Giants.

Contested Defensive One-On-One explainer video: https://www.patreon.com/posts/explainer-one-on-87777202?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian look into the great escape against the Eagles and what went wrong in defending defensive transition. They do a deep dive into Essendon's kicks inside 50, the effectiveness of midfielders at generating scores and look at what options are available with Andrew Phillips announcing his retirement. They then turn their attention to a rejuvenated North Melbourne and the dangers they pose in this week's matchup.

Essendon kicks inside 50 data - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PHd59RagBCvxZkNKttJkg6o5qENlspi3dLxYBVtJiyI/edit?usp=drive_link

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Ian returns to join Jono to discuss the heartbreaking loss to the Swans. We celebrate the debut of Elijah Tsatas before doing an extensive deep dive into the way Essendon has been playing pre and post bye. We then look at what needs to be done against the cellar-dwelling Eagles.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono is joined again by his brother Andrew, former Essendon and Western Bulldogs analyst. After going through the Bulldogs loss, they examine the potential Ben McKay trade, look at what Darcy Parish brings to the side and look into how we will be able to take on last year's runner's up the Sydney Swans

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian break down the disappointing loss against Geelong. They dive deep into some of the shallow media takes this week before looking at how we can improve against another one of our Bogey sides, the Bulldogs.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

With Ian being struck down with the Windy Hill Flu, Jono is joined by his brother Andrew, a former Essendon and Western Bulldogs football analyst. They bask in the glow of the Adelaide victory before taking a deep look at one of the biggest challenges in football, facing Geelong in Geelong.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

In the eleventh in our series of bonus episodes Ian speaks with Ben Jolley. Ben played 4 games for Essendon in 2006 and has gone on to become a VFL legend, becoming only the third player to play 300 games in that league. We talk about his Bomber Supporting origins, what his experience at the Bombers was like and how he would describe his leadership style.

This episode was released early on Patreon, you can gain access to Bonus Episodes a week early and exclusive Video content at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian break down the heartbreaking loss to the Power and examine all the positives that can be taken out of the perforamnce. They then examine a team that's made similar improvements on last year in Adelaide before breaking down how the Dons can come out victorious.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian come back down to earth after our four game winning streak is broken by the Dockers. We look at what went wrong and addressed some of the media criticism of Nic Martin. Attention is turned to the form side of the competition in Port Adelaide and how the Bombers can respond to one of their biggest challenges of the season.

You can check out the Windy Hill Windsock here: https://f-rantic.podbean.com/

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

After a bye week dominated by Media Beat ups, Jono and Ian answer some listener questions before digging into the enigma that is 2023 Fremantle and how we can achieve our ninth win of the season.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian are joined live by Rick Edwards and some of our Patrons to answer questions about where the Bombers are at and what things need to be looked at going forward.

This Episode was recorded on the 15th of June.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Us on Twitter:

Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian are joined once again by Robert Shaw to take stock at Essendon's position at the mid-season bye. We examine the win over Carlton before running an eye on what's got Essendon to the position it's currently in before forecasting what we can expect from the next portion of the season.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian review the nailbiter against North Melbourne and consider what that match says about where the Bombers are heading. We answer some listener questions before looking at what's been going wrong with the Blues and how the Dons can exploit that in the inaugural King's Birthday Eve clash.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

In the tenth in our series of Bonus Episodes Ian is joined by Tasmanian journalist and lifelong Essendon fan Alex Fair. We discuss where his support of the Bombers came from and the memories that have stuck with him along the way. We then look at the recent history of football in Tasmania and the fight to get an AFL team, before going into why the annoucement in early May has not been the joyous occasion many expected.

You can follow Alex on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AJFair85?s=20 and find his work at https://www.theadvocate.com.au/

This episode was released early on Patreon, you can gain access to Bonus Episodes a week early and exclusive Video content at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian review the professional win against West Coast and what it tells us about the mentality of the side. We look at our new Mid-Season draft pickup and consider what our best midfield will look like going forward. We then turn our attention to the Kangaroos and look at how we go about beating a side that's improved in the past fortnight.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Dreamtime at the ‘G became ecstasy at the ‘G when Sam Durham kicked the match winner with 7 seconds to go.

We review the thrilling win that takes our season to 5-5, and re-live how the thrilling final 90 seconds played out.

We talk Archie Perkins and his best position, we talk through our best back six. We look ahead to the mid-season draft next week and we look ahead to the Eagles this Saturday night, the next challenge for Brad Scott and his charges.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

After four losses on the trot Jono and Ian examine what's been causing the big differentials on Inside 50s in recent weeks before providing some perspective on how the Bombers have gone to this point this year compared to 2022. We take a look at where Richmond are at before looking at how we can finally break the Dreamtime drought.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

In the ninth in our series of Bonus Episodes, Ian is joined by former Under 18 commentator Phillip Crooks. Phillip is a lifelong Essendon fan who began watching in the 1960s and has family memories that go all the way back to the dawn of the VFL. Phillip also commentated on the Victorian Under 18 competition for over 10 years and has seen the births of many great careers, including Essendon stars Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and he shares those stories in this episode.

You can follow Phil on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Crooksy18

This episode was released early on Patreon, you can gain access to Bonus Episodes a week early and exclusive Video content at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

After a close loss to the Power, Jono and Ian take a look at Essendon's clearance work and whether the concerns there are personnel or structurally based. We then examine a flying Brisbane side before looking at what ways the depleted Bombers can stage a challenge against one of the ladder leaders.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian are back at it, reviewing a loss against the reigning premiers that had it's good and bad moments. We explore what's changed about where Essendon is scoring from and being scored against whilst aruging against trading Darcy Parish. We then look at the challenge of coming against the Power, a team that Essendon hasn't beaten since 2018.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Score source data can be found here: https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1/status/1652997511395819523?s=20

Only 48 hours on from the devastating loss on ANZAC day, Jono and Ian attempt to pick apart what went wrong in the final quarter whilst also acknowledging the things that worked well to put Essendon in a winning position. We then turn our attention to a resurgent Geelong and consider the best ways to handle the twin towers of Hawkins and Cameron.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian look into Essendon's second match against a premiership favourite in as many weeks with the upcoming ANZAC day match against Collingwood. We look at what's changed about the Pies from last year, what their matches so far this year can tell us and how we can handle the impact of one of the rising stars in the compeition.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow Jono at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh and Ian at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian are joined by former Essendon player and assistant coach Robert Shaw to discuss how the Dons are going so far this year. We review the exciting victory against Melbourne and then talk more broadly about where Essendon are at and what should the focus be over the next few weeks. Robert also speaks about his experiences with Andrew McGrath as a leader and what to expect from him as the Essendon captain on ANZAC day.

This is the eighth in our series of Bonus Episodes. This episode Ian talks with Essendon Superfan Jade Hockey. We talk about how Jade became a fan of the Bombers, what her favourite moments are and discuss her impressive collection of photos with Essendon players past and present.

You can follow Jade on Twitter at https://twitter.com/HockeyJade

This episode was released a week early on Patreon. You can support Don The Stat early on Patreon and receive early access to bonus episodes and Patron only videos here: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian break down Essendon's third win of the Season against GWS. We go over the changing perceptions of Essendon's defence and explore Darcy Parish's season to date. We examine where Melbourne are at and look at how we could approach this game depending on the variable weather conditions forecast.

Ricky Mangidis' blog 'The Shinboner' can be found here: https://theshinboner.com/

If you'd like to support us on Patreon you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Follow the hosts on twitter at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1 and https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono and Ian go over the Bombers first loss of season 2023 to find out what went wrong. They respond to some media commentary about the Dons defensive efforts before looking deeply into how they can bounce back against GWS.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian go over the the ins and outs over the win against the Gold Coast. Jono explains what it means to keep the ground big before we do a deep dive into the undefeated Saints and what it will take to beat them at the MCG on Saturday.

You can support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

If you would like to get in touch with us you can email at donthestat@gmail.com or find us on Twitter: Jono (https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh) or Ian (https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1)

Jono and Ian enjoy the rare occasion of a great start to an Essendon season by dissecting the win against Hawthorn. They take a look at the Suns game style nad the challenges it will pose before looking at the ways in which the Dons can win the game.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

The BigFooty Bombercast can be found at https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/2023-bigfooty-bombercast-r1-hawthorne-thrashed/id685163451?i=1000605404778

Jono and Ian are get stuck into the first game of the 2023 season. We go over the Peter Wright news, look back at some past games against the Hawks before looking at the first side of the Season. We examine what the Hawks did in their practice match before going through what is required to chalk up our first win of the season.

You can access the video content discussed in this episode at the Don The Stat patreon: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

This is the seventh in our series of Bonus Episodes. This episode Ian talks with Bombers fan Anthony Prochilo. Anth is someone we've come across on Twitter and we loved his work doing deep dives into the Essendon stats and what they demonstrate. We talk about where his love of the Bombers comes from, his thoughts about what happened in 2022 and the stats that he's focusing on in 2023.

You can find Anthony's work on twitter here: https://twitter.com/AnthProc

This episode was released a week early on Patreon. If you'd like to get early access to bonus episodes or otherwise support the show you can do so here: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian preview the 2023 Season for the Essendon Football Club. We go through where we think the list is currently at and examine the key features through completing a SWOT Analysis - looking at Essendon's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and threats going in to 2023.

You can support Don The Stat on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Ricky Mangidis Blog The Shinboner can be found at https://theshinboner.com/

Jono and Ian filter through the aftermath of the St Kilda Practice Match to find some bright spots in an otherwise poor result. We look at the shift in Centre Bounce attendances and a tightening in the ground defence, whilst also examining what could have caused the drop off in Contested Possessions.

If you would like to support Don The Stat on Patreon you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined by Jono's brother Andrew, former Essendon and Western Bulldogs analyst and current Gold Coast resident to discuss the practice match with the Suns. We talk about what we saw that was different from the previous year, what we learned from the game and areas for improvement going into the Practice match against the Saints next week.

Don The Stat Footy Tipping Competition (pw: DonTheStat)

https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Don_The_Stat_2023_Tipping?p=DonTheStat

You can support DonTheStat through Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian pay tribute to Dyson Heppell who stood down as captain after 6 years today. We go through some of the media's hottest takes of the week before going in depth on who would feature in each of our sides to take on Hawthorn in Round 1. We go line by line and really break down what we're looking for in the side that will run out on the MCG.

Don The Stat Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Pick the Season Competition: https://forms.gle/kLPq75ed7Jf49dDNA

Redbubble Store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/donthestat/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/donthestat

In the sixth of our series of bonus episodes, Ian chats with Liam Crowhurst, a data scientist who has done a lot of work on some advanced analytics on the AFL. We talk about what xScore is and how it can be used by teams, how intercepts are a key metric for detemining success and what the data says Essendon needs to do better in order to be a premiership contender moving forward.

You can follow Liam and see his work on Twitter at https://twitter.com/crow_data_sci

Bonus Episodes are released a week early to Patrons. You can join our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian discuss some of the Essendon takes from the media over the previous week before diving into some listener suggested question. We cover Essendon's Stoppage Clearance problem, what the key stats we're focusing on this year and the small-forward conundrum, amongst others.

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. You can contact the hosts on twitter or email questions through to donthestat@gmail.com

If you would like to support us on Patreon you can do so through: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

In our fifth bonus episode, Ian speaks with Greg Martin, father of Nic about Nic's journey to AFL and switching from supporting the Pies to the Dons.

This episode was released early to subscribers via Patron. To sign up, visit our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian are joined by fan favourite training watcher Rick Edwards to break down how the Don's Pre-season is going. We talk about how the new coaches have settled in, who the next potential captain is and go through each of the new draftees to see how they're handling the transition to AFL football.

You can follow Rick on twitter for pictures and videos from Essendon training at https://twitter.com/BomberRicko

If you would like to support us on Patreon you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Jono and Ian take a walk down memory lane by looking at the best Essendon wins since 1990. We go over the key moments, the big plays and our personal recollections of 8 famous victories:

North Melbourne 2001
Fremantle 2013
Geelong 1993
Melbourne 2016
West Coast 1993
Collingwood 2009
West Coast 2004
West Coast 2013

These games were determined through the tournament we have been running on Twitter where each day in January Essendon fans have been voting for their best Essendon wins. The tournament will run for the remainder of January, you can follow along at https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

If you would like to join our Patreon you can do so at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Don The Stat has started a Patreon! You can become a Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/donthestat

Join the Patron to gain early access to Bonus episodes, Excluisve Video content or to support the show.

To celebrate the beginning of the Patreon, I hosted a Bomber Quiz on Twitter Spaces, you can listen to it after the announcement. Thanks to everyone who participated and congratulations to the winner!

(Apologies for the Audio quality of the Quiz. Twitter Space recordings are difficult to comlete at the same level of quality as the regular pod. We are working on ways to improve this).

Jono and Ian wrap up year 2022 by discussing the recent CEO acquistion, fixture reveal and look at what our new draftees can bring to the side. We then look in to the crystal ball for 2023 before reflecting on what the Podcast has meant to us and giving shoutouts to the people who have supported the show in 2022.

To react to the AFL National Draft of 2022 Jasper Chellappah of the Inner Sanctum has kindly joined Ian to go over Essendon's selections. We hear what it was like in the room, what decisions the recruiting team had to make and what Essendon's new selections can bring to the side heading in to 2023.

You can follow Jasper at https://twitter.com/Jasperc53?s=20&t=3hY42wm5efZnFIMqtqqsIg

With the Essendon Board election under way Ian is joined by Mike Read, an Essendon fan who has been looking closely at the board election process. We discuss the background to the current elections and the importance of members votes in shaping the direction of the club moving forward.

You can follow Mike on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mike_read_?s=20&t=s4E1viNendnkLFIKmy5roA

Jono and Ian are joined by Inner Sanctum draft expert Jasper Chellappah. We talk about all the football department additions and player movements of the past month for the Bombers before Jasper takes us in depth into the 2022 draft and what to expect to happen with Essendon's picks on the night. We take some audience questions and put down our predictions for what will happen with pick 4 and an Alwyn Davey Jnr bid.

You can find Jasper on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Jasperc53?s=20&t=dJU71y686IA-bpsmlN0r_w

Jasper's Inner Sanctum Power Rankings for the 2022 Draft: https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/afl-phantom-draft-2022-how-will-the-first-round-play-out/

Just a quick update on plans for the show for the rest of 2023 as well as a request for listeners to fill in a short anonymous questionnaire regarding the show.

You can find the questionnaire here: https://donthestat.podbean.com/p/don-the-stat-listener-questionnaire-2022/

Show Email: donthestat@gmail.com

Hosts Twitter Profiles:

https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Ian looks into the appointment of Brad Scott as Essendon coach with Ricky Mangidis, who worked closely with Brad during his time at North Melbourne. We examined what kind of coach Brad is, what his strengths and weaknesses are and how he'll respond to the challenge of coaching Essendon.

*Jono is currently overseas and was unavailable for this episode.

You can follow Ricky Mangidis at https://twitter.com/rickm18 and see his AFL analysis at https://theshinboner.com/

Jono and Ian answer questions submitted by listeners regarding the Essendon.

Topics covered in this episode:

Where to play Massimo D'Ambrosio
How do we rate the assistant coaches?
Which 2022 Finalist game style would we most like to see Essendon replicate
How much weight do you put on the disposal efficiency stat
What do the stats say about who Essendon should draft with their first pick in 2022

Ian and Jono review the year that was for the Essendon Football Club. We look at the positives, the concerns and project ahead the areas that the new coaching staff will need to work on to make Essendon a Premiership force in the years to come.

You can submit questions for next week's Q&A Episode at donthestat@gmail.com

You can also participate live at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

In the fourth in our series of Bonus Fan interviews, Jono and Ian speak with the man behind the fantastic 150th year celebrations at Essendon Dr Dan Eddy. We go into how he got involved in the process, the favourite things that he discovered and what didn't make the final product.

You can follow Dan on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DanEddyBooks35?s=20&t=uG9ezZxh0giCsAsjL4QAKA

Purchase books from Dan's back catalogue at https://www.daneddybooks.com/

If you would like to share your story or recommend someone to come on the show you can contact us via donthestat@gmail.com

Ian's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono and Ian complete the review of the final game of Essendon's 2022 season before giving our thoughts on the turbulent events of the week. We put on our list manager jackets with the out of contract players and look forward to the upcoming AFLW season.

Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces, you can listen and have your say at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono flies solo tonight with a different perspective on the events of the week before jumping in to the final match preview of the year against Richmond.

A written copy of Jonathan's monologue, relating to his own Essendon experience and what the current off-field happenings mean to him, is available here.

Don the Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces, you can join in at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono and Ian examine the GWS loss and whether player effort or coaching decisions contributed more to the result. We answer some listener questions before digging into the rematch against the Power.

Don the Stat is recorded live each week via Twitter Spaces. You can listen in and ask questions at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono and Ian look what we can take out of a comfortable win against the cellar dwellars. We argue the merits of trading Nick Bryan before digging in to the matchup against the Giants.

Don the Stat is recorded live weekly using Twitter Spaces. If you'd like to listen in and participate you can do so at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

With four days to get over the heartbreaking result against Collingwood Jono and Ian get down into the details about what went wrong and examine the difference between Setup and Execution when it comes to defending kickouts. The midfield balance gets a going over whilst we look ahead to the clash against North Melbourne.

Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces each week. You can listen live and ask questions at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Jono and Ian cover the unusual territory of Essendon's third win on the trot. We go over the emphatic Gold Coast result, look at how accurate some of the media takes have been this week and look ahead to the return clash against Collingwood.

Don the Stat is recorded live each week via Twitter Spaces. You can listen live and join in at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

In the third of our bonus fan interviews, Ian chats with Swedish Superfan Tobias Johansson. We talk about how he came to be an AFL fan and how his love for the Bombers has only grown despite being in a different hemisphere to the majority of the supporter base.

If you would like to share your story or recommend someone take part, you can DM Jono or I on Twitter or contact us at donthestat@gmail.com

Jono's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Ian's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono and Ian pick apart the Brisbane game and challenge the perception that it was a 'junk win'. We then examine an interesting Gold Coast side that's playing a unique style before looking at how Essendon can get on top in the critical areas.

Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces. You can listen to the show live at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=RRWqCoqMFjisgNyMCz4P0g

In the second in our series of Bonus Fan Interview, Ian talks with long time Essendon fan Todd Davey. We go into his Essendon origins, talk at his favourite players and revisit the key memories that have stuck with him.

You can follow Todd on twitter at https://twitter.com/ToddJDavey?s=20&t=UfkVyNWk-0TITmNndot7kQ

Todd's AMT article: https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/tippa-tribute-why-walla-meant-so-much-to-so-many/

If you would like to share your story or recommend someone to come on the show, you can contact us via donthestat@gmail.com

Ian's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kyptastic1

Jono's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh

Please note this episode was recorded prior to the teams being announced

Jono and Ian examine the win over the Swans and the key stats that came out of it. Who will make way for Mcgrath is discusse before they do a deep dive into the Brisbane Lions and what can be learnt from their losses this season.

Don The Stat is recorded weekly through Twitter Spaces, you can listen and ask questions live at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=McbwAr52cxmuxuvxKR85CA

Apologies for the audio quality this week, there were some connection issues

Jono and Ian do a deep dive into the West Coast result. The news of the week brings up some interesting conclusions whilst they preview the rematch against the Swans.

Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces - you can join and ask questions at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=y11O58P7CFR4HcPJvlDPWA

Jono and Ian bask in the glow of a great win against the Saints and examine how much the game style has developed over the past few weeks. We then undertake a deep dive into the struggling West Coast and look for potential concerns as the Bombers look to get consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Don The Stat is recorded live each week on Twitter Spaces where you can listen live and ask questions. Twitter Spaces can be accessed through: https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=FDAB42ihG0ieBx48O4eU7w

Jono and Ian go through the Carlton game and come to some positive conclusions despite the loss. We spend some time on a listener question before breaking down the Saints game and what the interesting selections say about how the team is planning on approaching the match.

Don The Stat is recorded live via Twitter Spaces - you can join in and ask questions at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=lbsJ0txIMJUNiilOZjiOLQ

In this bonus episode Jono and Ian are joined by Willow who shares his story about how he got into the 1993 Grand Final.

This is the first in a series of Essendon stories from the people that make the club great - the fans.

You can follow Willow at https://twitter.com/MakeBirdiePutt?s=20&t=S-3nlZtNbUlAyoKI4gZd0g

Jono and Ian answer a couple more listener questions, get nostalgic around the club's 150th and go into detail about why Carlton aren't really that good and how Essendon will win by 10 goals.

After a false start, Jono and Ian look at the improved effort against Port Adelaide before doing a mid-season review of where Essendon is currently at. We also take audience questions and come to some interesting conclusions.

You can listen to and participate in Don The Stat live through Twitter Spaces at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=waKAYaoN23JkLqWXZ738MA

Jono and Ian go deep into the offensive game plan of the Bombers and what's currently not working. We give the fans an opportunity to give an apology to the players they wrote off too early before breaking down our opponents for Round 11 in Port Adelaide.

You can listen live to Don The Stat through Twitter Spaces at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=u__KmiZeEf0iDdueTXLz9g

After a drama filled week in Essendon land, Jono and Ian take a sober look at what has happened to get to this point and look ahead to Dreamtime at the G. We go in depth on how Richmond are playing and what Essendon can do to match them.

Listen to Don The Stat live at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=S8a3YBWOw2_Zi_Fbj55YNw

Jono and Ian finally have a win to disect, going through the details of the success against Hawthorn. Memories of the random events against our next opponents Sydney come up often as we do a deep dive into how the Swans are going and looking at how Essendon can combat their strengths.

Jono and Ian review the game against the Bulldogs and discuss some of the gameplay issues that the Bombers are having at this time. We look back at players from the 84/85 sides that we'd like to be playing in this side before doing a deep dive into what will be needed to beat our big rivals Hawthorn.

You can listen and participate live with these recordings via Twitter Spaces at //twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=bMJYeFIgc138L0N53UBMPQ

Email: donthestat@gmail.com

Jono and Ian review the ANZAC day loss to Collingwood before doing a deep dive into the Bulldogs spluttering form and examining the areas that Essendon can take advantage of heading in to Round 7

You can listen and participate live with these recordings via Twitter Spaces at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=bMJYeFIgc138L0N53UBMPQ

Email: donthestat@gmail.com

Jono and Humey review the Fremantle game and look ahead to ANZAC day by reliving past memories of the occasion before exploring what to expect from Collingwood.

You can listen and participate live with these recordings via Twitter Spaces at https://twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh?s=20&t=bMJYeFIgc138L0N53UBMPQ

Email: donthestat@gmail.com