Don The Stat

Round 10, 2026: Youth Rising, Opportunities Missed and the Fremantle Test

A 26-point lead. A young side full of energy. Then a game that slipped away.
This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey unpack Essendon's frustrating 14-point loss to GWS after looking in control for long stretches. Was it simply a case of experience winning out, or did deeper issues emerge late 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.
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Round 9, 2026: 100 Previews Later | Essendon vs GWS Giants Preview, Whiteboard Fallout & Midfield Fixes

Don The Stat brings up its 100th Match Preview episode as Essendon heads north to face the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium.
After a tough 64-point loss to the reigning premiers Brisbane, the boys break down what went wrong, from the alarming centre bounce numbers to Essendon’s inability to contain 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.
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social
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Round 8, 2026: Bombers v Lions | Response Needed Against The Reigning Premiers

Article Link - https://www.donthestat.com/post/round-7-check-point-essendon-2026
ANZAC Day heartbreak is in the rear-view mirror, but the challenge only gets tougher for Essendon in Round 8.
After a competitive first half against Collingwood, the Bombers were overrun in brutal fashion, going down 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?
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Round 7, 2026: Anzac Day Test - Signs of Growth or Same Old Story?

Essendon heads into Anzac Day off the back of a narrow 9 point loss to Gold Coast. A result that didn’t go our way, but one that showed clear signs of growth.
In this episode, we break down what worked against the Suns and where the game was lost, particularly around key moments and centre bounce 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?
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Round 6, 2026: Eclipse Season? Bombers Look to Back It Up Against the Suns

Essendon is on the board in 2026 and in style.
After four tough losses to start the season, the Bombers delivered a statement 45-point win over Melbourne at Gather Round. But as encouraging as it was, the challenge now shifts to consistency.
This week, Essendon heads to the Gold Coast to take on 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.
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social
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Round 5, 2026: Can Essendon Break Through Against Melbourne at Gather Round?

Essendon heads to Gather Round still searching for its first win of the 2026 season, but there were at least some signs of life in the second half against the Bulldogs.
On this week’s Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the 34-point Easter Sunday loss to the Dogs. A match that featured some 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
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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:
Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social
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Round 4, 2026: Opportunity Missed, Mountain Ahead

Three rounds in, and Essendon are still searching.
After a frustrating 12-point loss to North Melbourne, the Bombers showed signs of progress—but ultimately, it was another game that slipped away. Poor conversion, costly turnovers, and lapses at key moments continue to define a side struggling to 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?
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Round 3, 2026: Demoralised Bombers Search for a Response Against North

Two rounds in, and Essendon’s 2026 season is already under real pressure.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey review the Bombers’ 63-point loss to Port Adelaide, a result that made it back-to-back 10 goal defeats to open the year. They unpack the familiar themes from the first 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?
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Round 2, 2026: Hawthorn Reality Check, Port Preview & The Midfield Response

Round 1 hit hard.
After a 62-point loss to Hawthorn, we dig into exactly what went wrong for Essendon in the season opener — and why the biggest issues ran deeper than the usual surface-level takes. From midfield struggles and centre bounce damage, to field position, forward structure and 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
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Round 1 Preview: Bombers vs Hawks | Can Essendon Exploit Hawthorn’s Weaknesses?

The wait is over. Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season has arrived.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey preview Essendon’s season opener against Hawthorn.
After months of pre-season training, match simulations and practice games, we finally get our first real look at the Bombers when the 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
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Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:
Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social
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