Don The Stat

Don The Stat brings up its 100th Match Preview episode as Essendon heads north to face the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium.

After a tough 64-point loss to the reigning premiers Brisbane, the boys break down what went wrong, from the alarming centre bounce numbers to Essendon’s inability to contain Brisbane’s uncontested ball movement.

There’s discussion around the development of the Bombers’ young core, the impact of Sam Durham’s return to the midfield, Nate Caddy’s fiery comments, and whether Essendon’s current midfield balance is sustainable.

The episode also dives into:

The leaked Brisbane whiteboard and the fallout from it

The media treatment of Ben McKay

Brad Scott speculation and reaction to recent reporting

Injury updates including Saad El-Hawli and Brayden Fiorini

Why GWS has regressed in 2026 despite strong contested numbers

How Essendon can exploit the Giants at stoppage and territory

Plus, the boys reflect on reaching 100 Match Previews since Don The Stat began in 2022 and what the journey has meant to them and the Essendon 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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Article Link - https://www.donthestat.com/post/round-7-check-point-essendon-2026

ANZAC Day heartbreak is in the rear-view mirror, but the challenge only gets tougher for Essendon in Round 8.

After a competitive first half against Collingwood, the Bombers were overrun in brutal fashion, going down by 77 points. Now they return to Marvel Stadium to face the back-to-back premiers Brisbane Lions, one of the AFL’s benchmark sides.

In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down what went wrong against the Pies, the growing importance of centre bounce battles, and why team balance hurt Essendon last week.

They also dive into:

The criticism surrounding Ben McKay and where fan behaviour crosses the line

Green shoots from young Bombers including Saad El-Hawli, Nate Caddy and Archer Day-Wicks

Isaac Kako’s injury setback and the latest selection changes

Why Elijah Tsatas being omitted raises questions

Brisbane’s elite clearance game, scoring power and where they can still be exposed

Key match-ups including Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron and former Bomber Sam Draper

What Essendon must do to stay in the fight against the reigning premiers

Plus, Humey shares a special family moment ahead of the match, with son Oscar attending his first Essendon game.

A big test awaits. Can the Bombers respond?

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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 into Anzac Day off the back of a narrow 9 point loss to Gold Coast. A result that didn’t go our way, but one that showed clear signs of growth.

In this episode, we break down what worked against the Suns and where the game was lost, particularly around key moments and centre bounce damage.

We dive into the evolving midfield mix, the impact of Tsatas, McGrath and Wright, and the defensive lift from our half forwards led by Durham and Day-Wicks.

Then we turn our attention to Collingwood. A side that continues to grind games into arm wrestles, but is showing some vulnerability in 2026. We unpack their numbers, their reliance on Nick Daicos, and where Essendon can get the game on our terms.

We also run through selection, including the inclusion of Dyson Sharp, and what that means structurally heading into one of the biggest games of the season.

All roads lead to the MCG on Anzac Day. The stage is set.

Can this young Essendon side take the next step?

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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 is on the board in 2026 and in style.

After four tough losses to start the season, the Bombers delivered a statement 45-point win over Melbourne at Gather Round. But as encouraging as it was, the challenge now shifts to consistency.

This week, Essendon heads to the Gold Coast to take on a Suns side coming off back-to-back losses but still one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the competition.

In this episode, we break down:

The tactical adjustments that turned the Melbourne game

Darcy Parish’s return to form and what it means for the midfield

How Essendon controlled momentum and limited scoring damage

The Suns’ strengths, vulnerabilities, and what’s changed in 2026

Key matchups, including Petracca’s return and the midfield battle

Whether Essendon can replicate the pressure and contest that drove last week’s win

Plus, we touch on Jacob Farrow’s Rising Star nomination, Archie May’s contract extension, and what success looks like heading into a crucial stretch of the season.

One win doesn’t make a season but another might just change the trajectory.

🎧 Listen now and get ready for Round 6.

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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 to Gather Round still searching for its first win of the 2026 season, but there were at least some signs of life in the second half against the Bulldogs.

On this week’s Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the 34-point Easter Sunday loss to the Dogs. A match that featured some of Essendon’s worst football of the year early, before producing some of their most encouraging after quarter time.

The boys dig into the clearance problems, the damage done from kick-ins, the midfield adjustments that helped steady things, and why Isaac Kako’s time around the ball continues to be one of the more interesting developments in this side.

They also discuss the return of Tom Edwards, the growing structural squeeze in the forward line, and the challenge Essendon still faces when momentum swings hard against them.

From there, attention turns to Melbourne. A side rejuvenated in 2026, playing with speed, dare and confidence under a new coach. Jono and Humey assess the Demons’ list changes, their strong start to the season, the threat posed by Max Gawn, Jack Steele and Kozzie Pickett, and what Essendon has to do at centre bounce and in general play to give itself a chance.

There’s also a fresh Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, injury discussion from the VFL, and a look at Tommy Wolfe’s thoughtful Hold the Line piece on rebuilds, patience and why clubs can’t keep changing course every time the pressure builds.

Can Essendon turn second-half improvement into a four-quarter performance? Or will Melbourne’s confidence and firepower prove too much?

Listen now and get set for Gather Round.

Hold the line (Tommy Wolfe): https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/hold-the-line/

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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==