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Don The Stat

donthestat
Essendon Football Club
AFL
Hawthorn
Australian Football League
Zach Merritt
Gold Coast Suns
Hawthorn Football Club
Patreon
Brad Scott
Premiership
James Hird
Richmond Football Club
Geelong Football Club
Nick Martin
Australian Football League (AFL)
AFL Premiership
Jordan Ridley
Western Bulldogs
Tim Watson
Crichton Medal

Don the Stat is a weekly podcast covering the Essendon Football Club. Former Essendon Football Club analyst Jonathan Walsh is joined by fellow Essendon fan Ian Hume to break down the previous weeks game and preview the tactics of the next match. We focus on a more analytical approach that considers the statistics and match day tactics that will impact each game.Visit donthestat.com for the officia... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes100Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
FootballSports

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Artwork for Don The Stat

Latest Episodes

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 Sydn... more

YouTube

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 ... more

YouTube

The kids showed glimpses. Peter Wright kicked six. But a 72-point defeat proved there’s still a mountain of work ahead. 🔴⚫

In this episode, we unpack Essendon’s loss to Adelaide after fielding the youngest team seen in the AFL this season. We look ... more

YouTube

Essendon’s search for its next senior coach is reaching the pointy end, with Mark McVeigh, Murray Davis, Jaymie Graham and James Hird emerging as the leading candidates.

We examine the coaching journeys, strengths and potential concerns attached to ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Tommy Wolfe
Essendon fan and writer known for Reading The Play blog
Reading The Play
Episode: Stay the Course or Start Again? Tommy Wolfe on Essendon's Future
Xavier Duursma
A seasoned AFL player entering his third pre-season with Essendon.
Essendon Football Club
Episode: Xavier Duursma joins Don The Stat: Role Clarity, Leadership, and Taking the Next Step at Essendon
Darcy Parish
Professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Essendon Football Club
Essendon Football Club
Episode: Darcy Parish joins Don The Stat. Fatherhood, Fitness, and Finding His Best for 2026
Josh Wilson
Essendon supporter and contributor to Don The Stat
Episode: Don The Stat 2025 Round 14 Preview vs Geelong (Feat. Josh Wilson)
Nic Martin
Essendon player with 67 games experience and runner up in the Crichton medal
Essendon Football Club
Episode: Don the Stat Pre-Season Interview with Nic Martin
Rachele Di Maio
Patron and Essendon supporter
Episode: Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 12 Days to Go
Daniel Stubbs
Don The Stat patron and Essendon fan
Episode: Don The Stat Countdown to Opening Round - 17 Days to Go
Philip Crooks
Don The Stat patron and fellow Essendon fan
Episode: Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 18 Days to Go
Richard Hallett
Don The Stat patron
Episode: Don The Stat Countdown to Season 2025 - 19 Days to Go

Hosts

Jonathan Walsh
Host of the show and Essendon analytics-focused presenter.
Ian Hume
Co-host, Essendon fan, guides the conversation with tactical insight.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 216 ratings
  • Ess Carl preview worth a listen

    Engaging preview of a vital match both teams. Some really good analysis of the lines, and match-ups. Great work Ian and Jono as always.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VInceTask
    Australia2 years ago
  • the best

    been a listener since last year & look forward to the new ep every week! my new favourite dons pod! really impressive the amount of work that must go into it. well done lads.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lil_fair
    Australia2 years ago
  • Great show

    I look forward to listening to Don the Stat every week. The guys provide a different angle & perspective on the previous & upcoming games using various stats & analysis. I must listen for all football fans, especially those who don the sash.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SM Pete(r)
    Australia2 years ago
  • A must-listen for Bombers fans

    A great podcast from great blokes who are great fans of the Essendon Bombers. In-depth, statistically informed analysis of the team and playing style that isn’t boring, staid or too complex. I really can’t recommend this podcast enough!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Whyevenhavenicknames
    Netherlands3 years ago
  • Look forward to it every week!

    One of, if not my favourite Essendon podcast. The guys just give a different outlook on the game and why things may and may not be happening. Tuning in weekly has really developed my knowledge of the game and given me a greater understanding, not just from an emotional fan perspective but a tactical one. Keep up the great work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PeteOttanta
    Australia3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful, stats-driven analysis that makes AFL feel accessible.
Two hosts balance fan passion with data, delivering insightful breakdowns.
Great for Bombers fans who want depth beyond match reports.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#16
Australia/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#234
Australia/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#32
Indonesia/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#78
Singapore/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#78
New Zealand/Sports/Football
Apple Podcasts
#83
Netherlands/Sports/Football

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Round 22, 2026 | Nowhere to Hide: The Young Dons Face Geelong
Q: If you were on the coaching selection panel, what's the one question you would ask the candidates?
Jonathan would want to understand each coach's game style and how they would implement a modern, fast-moving game at Essendon, while identifying the missing pieces on the current list to unlock that style.
Rick Edwards July 2026 Draft Rankings
Q: Rick, thanks for joining me. How are you today?
I'm well, Ian, and I'm excited to break down the July rankings and the key players you might see in Essendon's top 20, with a lot of discussion around the top three and how their strengths translate to AFL readiness.
Bombers Mid-Season Patron Q&A | Rebuild Reality, Coaching Candidates & Draft Dreams
Q: What is the best midfield setup going forward given current players?
The hosts argue that a mix of inside and outside speed and class is needed, aiming for a balance that includes a defensive midfielder and a creator, with more depth via the draft to complement the core group.
Round 14, 2026: Can the Bombers Repeat the Gather Round Formula?
Q: What are the biggest issues with how we're using the ball, and what needs to change going into the Melbourne game?
The episode identifies the need to slow down the final kick inside 50, weight kicks to space, and maintain better balance between ball movement and forward delivery, while preserving a front-half structure to sustain pressure.
Round 1 Match Committee: Featuring Robert Shaw. How would we line up against the Hawks?
Q: Should we go with a tag for Newcombe?
The discussion revolves around whether to tag Newcombe due to his importance, with opinions differing on the necessity and effectiveness of a tagger.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Don The Stat

What is Don The Stat about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts who are long-time Essendon fans provide data-driven analysis of the team's performance, focusing on game breakdowns, list-building, coaching transitions, and long-term rebuild plans. Episodes frequently cover tactical trends, matchups, and behind-the-scenes club decisions, weaving in draft talk, development paths for young players, and the coaching-search narrative. The show stands out for its clear emphasis on statistics, practical game-planning insights, and a steady, analytical tone that aims to inform both hardcore supporters and casual listeners interested in how modern AFL teams are constructed and coached.

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Which podcasts are similar to Don The Stat?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Don The Stat:

1. The Lunchtime Catch Up
2. The Sash
3. The Flight Plan
4. The Don Pod
5. Gettable

How many episodes of Don The Stat are there?

Don The Stat launched 4 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Don The Stat?

Recent guests on Don The Stat include:

1. Tommy Wolfe
2. Xavier Duursma
3. Darcy Parish
4. Josh Wilson
5. Nic Martin
6. Rachele Di Maio
7. Daniel Stubbs
8. Philip Crooks

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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