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🔥 It's back! The annual Don The Stat Hot Takes episode! No stats. No research. No preparation. And absolutely no idea what's coming next. After a season Essendon supporters would rather forget, we're throwing our usual analytical approach out the window and handing the microphone to YOU! With more than 100 hot takes submitted by our Patreon community, Essendon Reddit and followers on X, Humey has handpicked some of the most controversial, outrageous and thought-provoking opinions for Jono to tackle completely unprepared. 🌶️ On the menu this year: 🔴 The Rebuild: Did Essendon leave it too late? Are we closer to finals than anyone thinks? And have we made the right calls at the trade table? 🏉 The Players: Is Zach Merrett's seven Crichton Medals more a reflection of his brilliance or the lack of competition? Is Archie Roberts overrated? And who's our next number one ruckman? 🧠 The Coaching Conspiracy: Was the McVeigh appointment part of an elaborate plan involving Andrew Welsh, John Longmire and James Hird? Grab your tinfoil hats! 🎯 Draft Controversies: Is Ethan Drever overrated? Could Blake Justice be a top-five player from this draft? And are we looking at the wrong players? 🏆 Bold Predictions: Finals within two years? A new captain by 2028? And could the Bombers name itself eventually disappear? 📊 Plus: We reveal the community's predictions for Essendon's 2027 ladder position and Crichton Medal winner. And just when Humey thinks he's escaped unscathed, Jono turns the tables with a hot take of his own involving Nate Caddy and Matthew Lloyd. 👀 It's passionate, occasionally ridiculous, and guaranteed to divide opinion. 🎧 Welcome to Don The Stat. Where, for one night only, the stats don't matter! 🔴⚫ 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==

Trade period is done, and Essendon’s rebuild takes another turn. Jono and Humey assess the deals, the departures and what comes next as attention shifts towards the draft. 🔄 Merrett and Ridley depart: Did the Bombers get fair value, and what did completing both trades early allow Matt Rosa to do? 🔴⚫ Coleman and Bowes arrive: How Keidean Coleman could transform Essendon’s ball movement, and the experience, leadership and flexibility Jack Bowes brings to a young list. 🤔 The deals that didn’t happen: We discuss Nick Blakey, Gryan Miers and the pursuit of another early draft pick and whether holding onto future assets was the right call. 🧑‍🏫 Building the football department: Daniel Pratt and Paul Thomas join the coaching team, while we examine the roles of John Longmire and Craig Vozzo and the increased emphasis on player development. 👀 Who should we take at pick one? We compare Arki Butler, Heath Mellody, Ethan Drever and Gus Teixera, consider how they fit Essendon’s needs, and look at the draft capital being assembled for 2027 and beyond. Plus, Jayden Nguyen’s new deal and the list decisions still to come. 📚 Find Jono’s draft dossiers on the Don The Stat Patreon, with a seven-day free trial available. The Ethan Drever report is free to read at donthestat.com. ____ 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==

Where does Zach Merrett rank among the greatest players in Essendon history? After winning a record-equalling seventh Crichton Medal before his departure from the Bombers, Merrett finds himself alongside club legends Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchinson in the record books. But how does his career stack up against the champions who came before him? On this episode of Don The Stat, Ian is joined by historian, author and Essendon expert Dr Dan Eddy to revisit the iconic Champions of Essendon list, originally announced in 2002, and build an updated Top 30 of the club’s greatest players. Dan has written more than 20 books, including a biography of Dick Reynolds, and helped produce the club’s official history as part of Essendon’s 150th anniversary celebrations. He also hosts the Red and Black Project podcast. In this episode, we discuss: 🔴 Zach Merrett’s legacy: Do seven Crichton Medals put him among Essendon’s all-time greats? And how much should the club’s struggles affect his standing? ⚫ Revisiting the Champions of Essendon: Was the original Top 25 right? Which players could move up or down, and who was unlucky to miss out? 🔴 James Hird and Matthew Lloyd: How did the final chapters of their careers change their standing among the Bombers’ greatest players? ⚫ The new additions: We assess the cases for Dustin Fletcher, Jobe Watson, Scott Lucas and Zach Merrett, considering their individual achievements, longevity, leadership and impact on the club. 🔴 The final Top 30: We reveal our updated rankings and leave one spot open for you to decide! Who deserves to be included among Essendon’s greatest players? Have we ranked Zach Merrett correctly? And which Bomber has been overlooked? Let us know your updated Champions of Essendon Top 30 in the comments! Subscribe to Don The Stat for Essendon analysis, AFL discussion, player reviews, draft coverage and more. 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==

It’s done. Zach Merrett is a Hawk. 🎙️ Jono and Ian jump on for a short reaction episode as Essendon trades its former captain to Hawthorn for picks 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round selection. 🔎 We give our first impressions of the deal, assess the return and discuss what losing Merrett means for Essendon’s midfield and the next phase under Mark McVeigh. 🔴⚫ After 274 games and seven Crichton Medals, a significant chapter in Essendon’s history closes. We reflect on Merrett’s contribution, the emotions surrounding his departure and where the Bombers go from here.

A big appointment off the field and big decisions on it. Essendon’s off-season is gathering pace. Jono and Ian unpack the latest developments and preview a trade period that could significantly reshape the Bombers’ list. 🐎 Longmire joins the Bombers We discuss what John Longmire’s arrival means for Mark McVeigh, the coaching group and player development, alongside the additions of Brent Prismall and Shane Mumford. Are the Bombers putting the right support around their new coach and young list? 🔄 Merrett, Ridley and the big trade questions Fresh from his seventh Crichton Medal, Zach Merrett’s future remains a major talking point. We assess Hawthorn’s opening offer, what Essendon should demand and whether a player could be part of the deal. We also discuss Jordan Ridley’s potential move, Darcy Parish’s place in the side and the risks of moving on from Ben McKay. 🎯 Who could come in? We look at Jack Bowes, Laitham Vandermeer and the attributes Essendon appears to be targeting. What do the missed opportunities tell us about the club’s approach, and how should the Bombers balance experienced recruits with opportunities for their developing players? 📝 Contracts, delistings and AFL assistance Nic Martin’s long-term commitment provides some welcome good news. We reflect on the latest departures, the players still awaiting decisions and how Essendon could use its two additional rookie spots. Including the case for bringing in experienced leaders. 🔮 Pick one and the bigger picture Should Essendon hold the first pick or consider splitting it? We share our early thoughts on the draft, look ahead to the 2027 free agency market and discuss how Tasmania’s arrival could influence the Bombers’ list strategy. 🏆 Plus, our reflections on an extraordinary Grand Final and what Essendon can learn from the teams at the top.

Jono and Ian award the Don The Stat Best and Fairest award - the Jack Kirby Medal. Who's been voted the best performed Essendon player in 2026. Plus, the first ever Damian Barrett award for Worst Essendon take is announced.  __ 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==

Make your own Tierlist: https://tiermaker.com/create/essendon-player-ratings-2026-19810700?presentationMode=false Who starred, who struggled and who landed somewhere in between? 🔴⚫ Ian is joined by Josh Wilson to review every Essendon player who featured at senior level in 2026, handing out grades from S to D. Who deserves an S? Who found themselves in Struggletown? And where did Ian and Josh disagree? Plus, a look at the appointment of Mark McVeigh and the big takeaways from the back end of the season. ___ 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==

Jono and Ian are joined by some of the Don The Stat Patrons to ask questions about Essendon past, present and future.  We touch on list management, coaching styles, trade targets, the VFL and assistant coaches.  ____ 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==

The 2026 AFL Draft is getting closer — and Rick Edwards is back with another major update to his Top 20! 🔴⚫ Rick has watched 26 games live this season and has spent the year tracking the best young talent across the country. With the Under 18 seasons reaching their pointy end, his September rankings feature some BIG changes. Check out Rick Edwards' draft work on Patreon — https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards Subscribe to Don The Stat for more Essendon analysis, AFL draft discussion, rankings, statistics and list management content. Go Dons! 🔴⚫ #AFLDraft #AFLDraft2026 #Essendon #DonTheStat #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==

The curtain falls on one of the most difficult Essendon seasons in recent memory and it’s time to examine exactly what went wrong, what changed and whether there are genuine reasons to believe the Bombers can move forward under Mark McVeigh. In our comprehensive 2026 Season Review, we discuss: 📊 The numbers behind Essendon’s struggles at both ends of the ground 🔄 The differences between Brad Scott and Dean Solomon’s approaches 🛡️ The late-season improvement in pressure, tackling and defensive intent 🚨 The centre-clearance, turnover and uncontested-possession problems 🧠 #Spikeball. The game plan Mark McVeigh may look to introduce in 2027 ⚡ Why Essendon desperately needs more speed, skill and front-half connection 📋 The biggest priorities facing the club during the off-season 🔴 Our three biggest positives and negatives from the season 🌱 The development of Essendon’s exciting 2025 draft class ⭐ The progress of Nate Caddy, Archie Roberts and Zach Reid 💪 Peter Wright’s outstanding season as a forward-ruck 🔀 The uncertain futures of Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley 👀 Essendon’s pursuit of Artie Jones and the potential arrival of Dion Prestia 🎁 What the Bombers might receive in an AFL assistance package 🏟️ The VFL Bombers’ stirring finals victory at a packed Windy Hill It wasn’t the season anybody wanted. But amid the disappointment, did the Bombers begin laying the foundations for something better? We sift through the wreckage of 2026 and look ahead to the beginning of another new era at Essendon. 🔴⚫ ___ 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==

22 years. No finals wins. No premiership challenge. So how did Essendon get here? On September 4, 2004, Essendon defeated Melbourne by five points in an elimination final at the MCG. It remains the last time the Bombers have won a game in September. With Essendon now entering another rebuild under Mark McVeigh, this is an attempt to explain how the club went from the powerhouse of the 1990s to more than two decades of frustration — and, more importantly, what needs to change. There isn't one person to blame. There isn't one decision that explains everything. Across the past quarter of a century there have been poor decisions, missed opportunities, bad timing and plenty of bad luck. But there is one recurring theme: Impatience. Every time Essendon appeared to be getting back on its feet, the club seemed to make a decision designed to accelerate the process. Sometimes those decisions were understandable. Some even appeared to work initially. But time and again, the shortcuts ultimately pushed the Bombers backwards. We look at the major turning points across the past 25 years, including: 🔴 The luck that helped build the 1990s powerhouse ⚫ How stagnation after 2000 contributed to the club's decline 🔴 The drafting failures of the early 2000s ⚫ The Matthew Knights era 🔴 The decision to appoint James Hird ⚫ The Essendon supplements saga and its enormous consequences 🔴 The post-Saga rebuild under John Worsfold ⚫ The trades for Smith, Saad, Stringer and Dylan Shiel 🔴 The loss of Joe Daniher, Adam Saad and Orazio Fantasia ⚫ The impact of COVID and the 2020 draft 🔴 The decline and rebuilding of the VFL program ⚫ The Rutten/Worsfold succession 🔴 The Brad Scott era and the decision to finally embrace the draft ⚫ What went wrong — and what actually went right — under Scott 🔴 And finally, the enormous challenge facing Mark McVeigh The key lesson isn't that Essendon needs another saviour. It needs patience. ____ 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==

The 2026 season is over but a new Essendon era has already begun. 🔴⚫ We review the narrow final-round loss to Port Adelaide, Nate Caddy’s brilliant six-goal performance and the costly centre-bounce collapse that allowed the Power to escape with the win. Then it’s onto the week’s biggest news: Mark McVeigh is Essendon’s new senior coach. We assess the process, the strengths Spike brings to the role, the support he’ll need around him and our experience interviewing him shortly after his appointment. Plus, we thank Dean Solomon for his impact as interim coach, share our immediate reflections on a difficult but important season, celebrate the development of Essendon’s young core and preview the VFL elimination final at Windy Hill. 🎙️🏉 ___ 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==

New Essendon Senior Coach Mark McVeigh joins Don The Stat, along with Scooter from Lunchtime Catch up and Fiona from Bomber Banter for his first interview since taking the job. McVeigh discusses what it means to return to the club where he played 232 games, the experiences that have shaped him as a coach and the lessons he brings from his time at GWS, the Allies and Sydney. We also explore his vision for the Bombers, the standards he wants to establish, his approach to developing Essendon’s young list and what supporters should expect as the club begins its next chapter. A wide-ranging introduction to the man entrusted with leading Essendon forward. 🔴⚫

The end of a long and difficult 2026 season has arrived but even the final game comes with a complicated question: do we desperately want one last win, or accept the benefits that could come with Pick 1? 😬 We review Essendon’s 36-point loss to Sydney, including the disastrous opening quarter and the pressure, tackling and turnover game that allowed the young Bombers to match the Swans across the remaining three terms. We also discuss: 🔴 Andy McGrath’s 200th game ⚫ What could be Zach Merrett’s final appearance for Essendon 📋 The biggest calls among the club’s out-of-contract players 🏉 The VFL side’s charge into its first finals campaign in seven years ⏳ The continued wait for Essendon’s next senior coach 📊 Where an injury-hit Port Adelaide can be exposed Can the Bombers produce one final spirited performance and send their supporters into the off-season with a win or will the wooden spoon at least deliver a valuable consolation prize? ____ 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==

After a competitive opening at Kardinia Park, one disastrous stretch allowed Geelong to break the game open and condemn Essendon to a 67-point defeat. We review the loss to the Cats, examine the dramatic difference between Essendon’s best and worst periods, and look at the encouraging performance of Vigo Visentini, who produced 33 hitouts and 17 disposals in just his third AFL game. Then attention turns to Sydney. The Swans arrive at the MCG sitting second on the ladder, fresh from a 97-point demolition of Port Adelaide and armed with the most potent attack in the competition. It’s an imposing challenge but there may be a few chinks in their armour. 👀 We break down where Essendon can disrupt Sydney’s high-speed game, why the ground-ball battle offers the Bombers a genuine avenue of attack, and the pressure standards this young side must reach to remain competitive. Also on the agenda: 🔴 The costly collapse against Geelong 📊 What the numbers reveal about Essendon’s three coaching candidates 🏆 Tim Watson earns a Damian Barrett Award nomination ✍️ Dyson Sharp and Jacob Farrow commit until 2030 👀 Essendon’s approaches to Scott Pendlebury and Luke Pedlar 🏉 Could Bryan and Visentini form a two-ruck partnership? 💥 How do you contain Heeney, Warner and Gulden? Plus, we preview a massive weekend across the club: the VFL playing for a finals berth, the AFLW beginning its season at Windy Hill and the men attempting to disrupt Sydney’s push towards September. It’s the Essendon triple. Who’s taking on all three? 🔴⚫ ___ 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==