Don The Stat

We are officially 35 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 35 — a number defined by durability, Premiership success, and long-term service. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

The 2026 season is officially underway at Don The Stat. With just weeks until Essendon’s first practice match and Round 1 against Hawthorn looming, Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume return for the first formal episode of the year to take stock of where the Bombers are really at. In this season opener, the boys cover: Year five of Don The Stat and the growing Patreon community The 2026 countdown series exploring every Essendon jumper number A quiet but encouraging off-season and what “no news” actually means The ongoing CEO search and whether it should concern supporters A first entrant for the 2026 Terrible Media Takes Award (an award that has a new name) Insights from club media day, including interviews with Darcy Parish and Xavier Duursma Three reasons for optimism heading into 2026 Three genuine areas of concern Listener questions on improvement areas and realistic ladder position Plus, a look ahead at what’s coming next at Don The Stat HQ Balanced, honest, and grounded in evidence - this is your starting point for the 2026 Essendon season. ________ Footy Tipping Comp (password: DonTheStat2026) https://www.footytips.com.au/comps/Don_The_Stat_2026_Tipping?p=DonTheStat2026 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 36 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 36 — a number tied to Premierships, resilience, and one of the most famous family moments the game has ever seen. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

In this episode of Don The Stat, we sit down with Darcy Parish for one of his most open and reflective conversations yet. Darcy talks through the recent news of he and his wife expecting their second child in August, and how fatherhood is reshaping his perspective both on and off the field. We talk about his fitness - why he made the trip to Baltimore in search of answers, and the collaboration between Darcy, Essendon’s high performance team, and external specialists to rebuild him physically. From there, Darcy opens up on: what “fit and firing” actually looks like for him now the role he sees himself playing in 2026 the teammates he’s most excited to line up alongside and why there’s a genuine sense of belief building at Essendon Football Club. 🎧 A must-listen for Bombers fans heading into 2026.   _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian   

We are officially 37 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 37 — a number that took time to find its identity, but now firmly belongs in the modern era. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 38 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 38 — a number that has repeatedly marked the beginning of long, successful Essendon journeys. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 39 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 39 — a number that has repeatedly marked the beginning of long, successful Essendon journeys. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 40 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 40 — a number that evolved from a fringe role into a modern-day mainstay. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 41 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 41 —  a transitional number, often worn at the very start of journeys that went on to shape Essendon history. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 42 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Jumper Number 42 — defined not by silverware in the number, but by longevity, responsibility, and ownership. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 43 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 43 — a Premiership jumper at birth, and a cult classic in the modern era. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 44 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. AAcross its history, Guernsey Number 44 has been worn for 234 senior games, often acting as a stepping stone for players who would go on to play key roles in Essendon sides. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 45 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 45 — a number that evolved evolving from a short-term jumper into a genuine modern-era mainstay. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 46 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Across its history, Guernsey Number 46 has been worn for 80 senior games, often marking the beginning of a player’s journey rather than the destination. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 47 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 47 — a jumper that’s been passed through many hands — often briefly, but sometimes as the foundation for much bigger careers. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 48 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Across its history, Guernsey Number 48 has been worn for 43 senior games, making it a jumper that, while rarely held long-term, has consistently produced scoreboard impact. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian  And Bluesky: Jono / Ian 

We are officially 49 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1, 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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.   Jumper Number 49 — a launching pad number, and an important early chapter for some of Essendon’s greatest stories. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian 

We are officially 52 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Jumper Number 48 — a number that’s quietly delivered goals across generations and remains part of Essendon’s present. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian  And Bluesky: Jono / Ian 

We are officially 51 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Jumper Number 51 — another number defined by short-term ownership rather than long-term possession.   _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian  And Bluesky: Jono / Ian 

We are officially 52 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. Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980. In 2026, we’re kicking off a daily countdown to Round 1 2026 but instead of just ticking off days on a calendar, we’re counting them down through Essendon’s guernsey numbers. Who wore it first. Who wore it most. Which Premiership players pulled it on. Brownlow winners, club legends, cult heroes, and sometimes the obscure one-gamer that still forms part of the story.   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. Jumper Number 52 — a number that briefly introduced a champion, and reappeared in one of the most unusual seasons the club has faced. _______________________ Links: Don The Stat Website | The Official Home of Don The Stat  Don The Stat Patreon Don The Stat on Facebook  Don The Stat on Instagram  Follow Us on X / Twitter Jono / Ian  And Bluesky: Jono / Ian