Don The Stat

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:

🔴 Dean Solomon's comments on skill execution and Nick Riewoldt's criticism

⭐ Nate Caddy's contract extension through to 2031 and what it says about Essendon's future

🏉 The latest on Essendon's coaching search and the growing media narrative

📈 Rick Edwards' July draft rankings and who the Bombers should target with Pick 1

❓ A Patreon question on how long it really takes for a young list to become cohesive

🟠 Breaking down GWS's recent resurgence and how Essendon can turn the tables after letting a four-goal lead slip earlier this season

📺 And finally... which TV show best sums up Essendon's 2026 season?

Can the Bombers produce a response, or will the Giants continue their push towards September?

Listen now and join the conversation. 🔴⚫

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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

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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

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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:

The coaching search and what Essendon's football department could look like in 2027

The debate around Zach Merrett and whether the Bombers made the right call

Essendon's bold move for Jed Walter

How Brisbane has rediscovered its premiership form

Selection news, tactical match-ups and the keys to challenging the Lions at the Gabba

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

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

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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. 🖤❤️

___

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

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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:

The latest coaching rumours and what Essendon should be looking for in its next senior coach

Trade speculation surrounding Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley and Darcy Parish

Essendon's reported interest in Jed Walter and Lachie Neale

Five things they want to see from the Bombers after the bye

North Melbourne's improvement in 2026 and where the Roos can be exposed

Selection headaches with Caldwell, McGrath, Parish, Kako and El-Hawli all returning

Key tactical battles that could decide the game

Predictions for Essendon's quest to secure its first Melbourne win in over a year

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

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==