Don The Stat

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:

Plus:

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.

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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

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.

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 

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.

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 

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.

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 

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.

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 

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:

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

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.

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 

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.

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 

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.

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 

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:

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==