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.

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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.

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Links:

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

Jono / Ian 

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:

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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

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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. 

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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

Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:

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