After a competitive opening at Kardinia Park, one disastrous stretch allowed Geelong to break the game open and condemn Essendon to a 67-point defeat.

We review the loss to the Cats, examine the dramatic difference between Essendon’s best and worst periods, and look at the encouraging performance of Vigo Visentini, who produced 33 hitouts and 17 disposals in just his third AFL game.

Then attention turns to Sydney. The Swans arrive at the MCG sitting second on the ladder, fresh from a 97-point demolition of Port Adelaide and armed with the most potent attack in the competition. It’s an imposing challenge but there may be a few chinks in their armour. 👀

We break down where Essendon can disrupt Sydney’s high-speed game, why the ground-ball battle offers the Bombers a genuine avenue of attack, and the pressure standards this young side must reach to remain competitive.

Also on the agenda:

🔴 The costly collapse against Geelong

Plus, we preview a massive weekend across the club: the VFL playing for a finals berth, the AFLW beginning its season at Windy Hill and the men attempting to disrupt Sydney’s push towards September.

It’s the Essendon triple. Who’s taking on all three? 🔴⚫

___

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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?

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. 🎙️

___

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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.

___

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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.

___

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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:

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

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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

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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:

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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:

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!

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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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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. 🖤❤️

___

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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:

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

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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:

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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?

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

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