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• Hot Takes & Hand Grenades: Essendon’s Most Unhinged (Sort Of) Predictions for 2026

  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. ____   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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• Draft Dreams and NGA Hopefuls: Essendon’s 2025 National Draft Preview (feat. Rick Edwards)

  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. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Rick's Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian  And Bluesky: Jono / Ian 

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• Essendon 2025 Trade Review & Draft Preview | Merrett saga, Welsh era, Solomon appointment

  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 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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• Don The Stat 2025 Mid Trade Period Temperature Check (With Todd Davey from the Flight Plan)

  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 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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• Don The Stat 2025 Best and Fairest Award - The Jack Kirby Medal

  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 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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