2025 National Draft | Don The Stat

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Captaincy isn’t about being the best player — it’s about being the right one.

Sam Walker’s The Captain’s Class breaks it down perfectly:
doggedness, emotional control, doing the thankless jobs, lifting others.

That’s why Andrew McGrath feels like the right call.
Not obsessed with his own game — obsessed with Essendon being better.

Captain Andy. 🔴⚫️

#Essendon #AFL #AndrewMcGrath #Captain #Leadership #TheCaptainsClass #SamWalker #Bombers #AFL2026 #FootyLeadership #DonTheStat #PreSeason

Captaincy isn’t about being the best player — it’s about being the right one.

Sam Walker’s The Captain’s Class breaks it down perfectly:
doggedness, emotional control, doing the thankless jobs, lifting others.

That’s why Andrew McGrath feels like the right call.
Not obsessed with his own game — obsessed with Essendon being better.

Captain Andy. 🔴⚫️

#Essendon #AFL #AndrewMcGrath #Captain #Leadership #TheCaptainsClass #SamWalker #Bombers #AFL2026 #FootyLeadership #DonTheStat #PreSeason

AA Zach Merrett? Is Zach Merrett destined for more Essendon history in 2026?

We think so.

#GoDons #Essendon #DonTheStat #ZachMerrett

AA Zach Merrett? Is Zach Merrett destined for more Essendon history in 2026?

We think so.

#GoDons #Essendon #DonTheStat #ZachMerrett

Don The Stat Wrapped 2025 🎄✈️

Thanks to everyone for their support in 2025. Everyone that has listened, liked, commented, subscribed, reviewed, emailed, caught up with us pre-game, joined us on air and been part of our Patreon. We're forever overwhelmed and grateful for the support.

In our final episode of 2025, we cover the lot. From trade-period chaos to draft-night joy…we finally got to do an off-season episode with a smile.

We cover:
• Vozzo’s exit + what he’s left behind
• The 2025 Draft Class (Robey/Farrow/Sharp + more)
• Where the list is at + what’s still missing
• The leadership group (McGrath captain)
• The stats that will tell us if we’re actually improving in 2026

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Drop your call: how many wins in 2026?

Don The Stat Wrapped 2025 🎄✈️

Thanks to everyone for their support in 2025. Everyone that has listened, liked, commented, subscribed, reviewed, emailed, caught up with us pre-game, joined us on air and been part of our Patreon. We're forever overwhelmed and grateful for the support.

In our final episode of 2025, we cover the lot. From trade-period chaos to draft-night joy…we finally got to do an off-season episode with a smile.

We cover:
• Vozzo’s exit + what he’s left behind
• The 2025 Draft Class (Robey/Farrow/Sharp + more)
• Where the list is at + what’s still missing
• The leadership group (McGrath captain)
• The stats that will tell us if we’re actually improving in 2026

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Drop your call: how many wins in 2026?

The 2026 ruck rules: big noise, or small impact?
We think the hype’s getting ahead of the reality.

Full breakdown in our Hot Takes episode — but here’s the key point 👇

#AFL #EssendonFC #DonTheStat #AFL2026 #RuckRules

The 2026 ruck rules: big noise, or small impact?
We think the hype’s getting ahead of the reality.

Full breakdown in our Hot Takes episode — but here’s the key point 👇

#AFL #EssendonFC #DonTheStat #AFL2026 #RuckRules

Hot Take: It’s absolutely OK for Essendon fans to change their mind on Zach Merrett.

The trade rumours sparked real emotion — frustration, fear, uncertainty — and that reaction was valid.
And once the dust settled? Backing him in is just as valid.

Being a fan means caring deeply. There’s no shame in that. ❤️🖤
#Essendon #AFL #ZachMerrett #DonTheStat #AFLReels #GoDons

Hot Take: It’s absolutely OK for Essendon fans to change their mind on Zach Merrett.

The trade rumours sparked real emotion — frustration, fear, uncertainty — and that reaction was valid.
And once the dust settled? Backing him in is just as valid.

Being a fan means caring deeply. There’s no shame in that. ❤️🖤
#Essendon #AFL #ZachMerrett #DonTheStat #AFLReels #GoDons

🔥 NEW EPISODE: 2026 HOT TAKES 🔥

You asked. You submitted. We reacted.

From Merrett trade talk ➝ to Caddy 40-goal predictions ➝ to “Rutten wasn’t the problem” ➝ to Blakiston AA ruck calls…

This episode goes everywhere.

We break down the best (and wildest) listener hot takes for Essendon’s 2026 season.

Hit the link in bio to listen.
Drop your own hot take below 👇🔴⚫️

🔥 NEW EPISODE: 2026 HOT TAKES 🔥

You asked. You submitted. We reacted.

From Merrett trade talk ➝ to Caddy 40-goal predictions ➝ to “Rutten wasn’t the problem” ➝ to Blakiston AA ruck calls…

This episode goes everywhere.

We break down the best (and wildest) listener hot takes for Essendon’s 2026 season.

Hit the link in bio to listen.
Drop your own hot take below 👇🔴⚫️

“A day is a long time in football”

“A day is a long time in football”

Dyson Sharp will become the 4th Larke Medalist to play for @essendonfc

He will follow:
Kepler Bradley (2003)
Greg Anderson (1983)
Paul Salmon (1981)

The Larke Medal is awarded to the best player in the Under 18 Championships.

#GoDons

Dyson Sharp will become the 4th Larke Medalist to play for @essendonfc

He will follow:
Kepler Bradley (2003)
Greg Anderson (1983)
Paul Salmon (1981)

The Larke Medal is awarded to the best player in the Under 18 Championships.

#GoDons

Tonight’s the night.

Tonight’s the night.

All smiles at Alcatraz @blakehardwick_

📸 @charliedons

All smiles at Alcatraz @blakehardwick_

📸 @charliedons

🟥⬛ Draft Dreams & NGA Hopefuls

With the 2025 National Draft fast approaching, we’re joined by the one and only Rick Edwards to break down Essendon’s top targets.

From Willem Duursma to Adam Sweid, from top 10 locks to under-the-radar gems — this one’s got it all.

🎧 New episode of Don The Stat out now.

#AFLDraft #EssendonFC #DonTheStat #AFL #Bombers #GoDons

🟥⬛ Draft Dreams & NGA Hopefuls

With the 2025 National Draft fast approaching, we’re joined by the one and only Rick Edwards to break down Essendon’s top targets.

From Willem Duursma to Adam Sweid, from top 10 locks to under-the-radar gems — this one’s got it all.

🎧 New episode of Don The Stat out now.

#AFLDraft #EssendonFC #DonTheStat #AFL #Bombers #GoDons

🕵️‍♂️ Essendon 2025 Trade Review & Draft Preview
Plenty has happened at Bomberland since the end of the season — and we’re unpacking it all.

This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Ian dive deep into:
🔴 The Zach Merrett trade saga - what really went down, and why Essendon stood firm
⚫ Andrew Welsh taking over as President and the impact on stability and direction
🔴 Dean Solomon’s return the coaching fold
⚫ Brayden Fiorini’s role and how he fits into Essendon’s system
🔴 The ruck strategy post-Draper & Goldstein
⚫ List changes, delistings and what it means ahead of the draft
🔴 Our take on who the Bombers should target with picks 5, 6, 21, 27 & 30

If you’re into list management, draft strategy, or just want to relive a bit of trade-period chaos — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
👉 https://pod.fo/e/342fc1

🕵️‍♂️ Essendon 2025 Trade Review & Draft Preview
Plenty has happened at Bomberland since the end of the season — and we’re unpacking it all.

This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Ian dive deep into:
🔴 The Zach Merrett trade saga - what really went down, and why Essendon stood firm
⚫ Andrew Welsh taking over as President and the impact on stability and direction
🔴 Dean Solomon’s return the coaching fold
⚫ Brayden Fiorini’s role and how he fits into Essendon’s system
🔴 The ruck strategy post-Draper & Goldstein
⚫ List changes, delistings and what it means ahead of the draft
🔴 Our take on who the Bombers should target with picks 5, 6, 21, 27 & 30

If you’re into list management, draft strategy, or just want to relive a bit of trade-period chaos — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
👉 https://pod.fo/e/342fc1

Or an ace in their hat? 🤦🏼‍♂�️

Or an ace in their hat? 🤦🏼‍♂️

The new Windy Hill Mural design is looking 10/10

The new Windy Hill Mural design is looking 10/10

New CEO. Who dis?

JoUrNaLiSm 🤦🏼‍♂️

New CEO. Who dis?

JoUrNaLiSm 🤦🏼‍♂️

It’s tough out there.

It’s tough out there.

It’s been a week. 😅

It was incredible to bring the Don The Stat community together last night for 90 minutes of open discussion.

And boy, there was a lot to discuss.

It’s out now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

https://pod.fo/e/328e3a

It’s been a week. 😅

It was incredible to bring the Don The Stat community together last night for 90 minutes of open discussion.

And boy, there was a lot to discuss.

It’s out now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

https://pod.fo/e/328e3a

Games played at Essendon in 2025, by players Drafted to Essendon in the National or Rookie Draft*, by year.

Excludes Mid-Season Draftees, Trades, Free Agents and SSP signings.

Games played at Essendon in 2025, by players Drafted to Essendon in the National or Rookie Draft*, by year.

Excludes Mid-Season Draftees, Trades, Free Agents and SSP signings.

🗣️ Us: “How do you review a season like that, not much to talk about, surely?”

🗣️Also Us: End recording 90 minutes later.

Don The Stat, Essendon End of Season 2025 Review is out now.

Find it wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

🗣️ Us: “How do you review a season like that, not much to talk about, surely?”

🗣️Also Us: End recording 90 minutes later.

Don The Stat, Essendon End of Season 2025 Review is out now.

Find it wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

The Mathew Inness Effect.

👈Before and After👉

Thanks to Mike Read for the graphic.

Read more about Mat on our website.

The Mathew Inness Effect.

👈Before and After👉

Thanks to Mike Read for the graphic.

Read more about Mat on our website.

Out ya go champ…

Out ya go champ…

Accumulated Time on Ground played by Players with 1 to 20 Games of AFL Experience in the 2025 Home & Away Season.

1st. Essendon - 28.03%*
2nd. Richmond - 23.03%
.
.
.
18th. Hawthorn - 2.74%

*28.03% of Essendon's Total Minutes (IE All players added together for the entire 2025 Season) was played by players with 1 to 20 Games of AFL Experience.

Source: https://mikeread.com.au/lineups2025.html

#GoDons

Accumulated Time on Ground played by Players with 1 to 20 Games of AFL Experience in the 2025 Home & Away Season.

1st. Essendon - 28.03%*
2nd. Richmond - 23.03%
.
.
.
18th. Hawthorn - 2.74%

*28.03% of Essendon's Total Minutes (IE All players added together for the entire 2025 Season) was played by players with 1 to 20 Games of AFL Experience.

Source: https://mikeread.com.au/lineups2025.html

#GoDons

Damo doesn't know....

Damo doesn't know....

Lots of permutations for Matt Rosa and his team to consider heading into Free Agency, Trade and Draft periods. We've had a look at the Archetype Priorities we think needs focus in the next stage of our List build. Article on our website now.

Lots of permutations for Matt Rosa and his team to consider heading into Free Agency, Trade and Draft periods. We've had a look at the Archetype Priorities we think needs focus in the next stage of our List build. Article on our website now.

None of 2025 has gone to plan for the Footy Club we all love so much.

And in what seems like almost the perfect full stop to the season, we play our second Round 24 Match, in the space of six days.

We look back at our Round 24 loss to the Blues last Thursday and look forward to our Round 24 clash against the Suns, where we have a chance to end their season without Finals.

We also peel back list needs and look at the Archetypes that we see as our biggest priorities with some Trade & Draft options to keep an eye on.

Out now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

None of 2025 has gone to plan for the Footy Club we all love so much.

And in what seems like almost the perfect full stop to the season, we play our second Round 24 Match, in the space of six days.

We look back at our Round 24 loss to the Blues last Thursday and look forward to our Round 24 clash against the Suns, where we have a chance to end their season without Finals.

We also peel back list needs and look at the Archetypes that we see as our biggest priorities with some Trade & Draft options to keep an eye on.

Out now wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧

What to do. What to do.

What to do. What to do.

Round 2, 5 Point Winners against West Coast at Windy Hill.

AFL Men, 1987 🤝 AFL Women, 2025

Round 2, 5 Point Winners against West Coast at Windy Hill.

AFL Men, 1987 🤝 AFL Women, 2025

🗒🖋

#GoDons

🗒🖋

#GoDons

He’s back!

The skipper. Game 250. The “archiest” of arch rivals.

The MCG. A balmy August night.

There’s no place we’d rather be.

#GoDons

He’s back!

The skipper. Game 250. The “archiest” of arch rivals.

The MCG. A balmy August night.

There’s no place we’d rather be.

#GoDons

Finding it hard to do the maths on how many List spots Essendon needs to create at seasons end following the 4 players added in the Mid-Season Draft?

We've got you covered. Link below.

*This was written before the re-signing announcement of Nick Bryan. We have updated his contract status and the number of uncontracted players remaining.

Photo Credit: Essendon Football Club.

https://www.donthestat.com/post/essendon-s-mid-season-draft-haul-shapes-the-off-season-list-puzzle

Finding it hard to do the maths on how many List spots Essendon needs to create at seasons end following the 4 players added in the Mid-Season Draft?

We've got you covered. Link below.

*This was written before the re-signing announcement of Nick Bryan. We have updated his contract status and the number of uncontracted players remaining.

Photo Credit: Essendon Football Club.

https://www.donthestat.com/post/essendon-s-mid-season-draft-haul-shapes-the-off-season-list-puzzle

On behalf of Don The Stat, we'd like to wish Taylor De-de-decore all the best in retirement.

#IYKYK

On behalf of Don The Stat, we'd like to wish Taylor De-de-decore all the best in retirement.

#IYKYK

📈 AFL players to Average 20+ Ruck Contests a game and still Average 1.5+ Goals in 2025.

1. Peter Wright

🔚

#GoDons

📈 AFL players to Average 20+ Ruck Contests a game and still Average 1.5+ Goals in 2025.

1. Peter Wright

🔚

#GoDons

Swipe ➡

Swipe ➡

It’s overdue Dons Fans. Give them to him 💐

Stand in skipper. Career high disposals (equal), whilst restricting the most in form player in the competition to his lowest (equal) disposal output since Round 23, 2024.

It’s overdue Dons Fans. Give them to him 💐

Stand in skipper. Career high disposals (equal), whilst restricting the most in form player in the competition to his lowest (equal) disposal output since Round 23, 2024.

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