Don The Stat

By donthestat

Don the Stat is a weekly podcast covering the Essendon Football Club. Former Essendon Football Club analyst Jonathan Walsh is joined by fellow Essendon fan Ian Hume to break down the previous weeks

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FAQs about Don The Stat:

How many episodes does Don The Stat have?

The podcast currently has 352 episodes available.

Don The Stat episodes:

June 04, 2026Round 13, 2026: Essendon v Carlton Preview | Rivalry Night, AFL Assistance & Can Solomon Spark a Response?
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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==
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1h 5min
May 28, 2026Round 12, 2026: Essendon drama, Solomon Takes Over
It has been one of the biggest weeks in recent Essendon history.
After another injury-hit loss, this time to Richmond in Dreamtime at the ‘G, the Bombers sit 1-10 and anchored to the bottom of the AFL ladder. The fallout only intensified with the sacking of Brad Scott, another wave of media 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==
...more
1h 9min
May 26, 2026 Ian reacts to Brad Scott's Sacking
This was recorded on Patreon live earlier this evening. Ian gives his reaction to Brad Scott's sacking and interacts with Patrons.
Jono will give his thoughts on our main show this Thursday
...more
33min
May 21, 2026Round 11, 2026: Essendon v Richmond Preview, Media Noise & Contest Concerns
***Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the recording tonight***
Dreamtime at the ‘G returns, but this year it arrives with plenty of pressure surrounding both Essendon and Richmond.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the Bombers’ disappointing loss to 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==
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1h 2min
May 14, 2026Round 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.
___

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==
...more
57min
May 07, 2026Round 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.
_____

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==
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1h 1min
April 30, 2026Round 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?
____
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==
...more
1h 1min
April 23, 2026 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?
____
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==
...more
56min
April 16, 2026Round 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.
_____
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==
...more
1h 2min
April 09, 2026 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
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==
...more
1h 7min

FAQs about Don The Stat:

How many episodes does Don The Stat have?

The podcast currently has 352 episodes available.

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