Don The Stat

We are officially 4 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. Guernsey Number 4 - a number that quietly carries Brownlow medals, Premierships, leadership and legacy. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 3 and Guernsey Number 3. _______________________ 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 5 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. Guernsey Number 5 - worn in Essendon's first Premiership, carried through multiple flag eras, and still evolving as the club moves forward. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 4 and Guernsey Number 4. _______________________ 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 6 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. Guernsey Number 6 - a jumper steeped in leadership, resilience, and Premiership success. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 6 and Guernsey Number 6. _______________________ 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 

Essendon's 2026 season is almost here. With Round 1 against Hawthorn just 8 days away, Jono and Humey return for the annual Don The Stat Season Preview. Breaking down everything Bombers fans need to know heading into the new AFL season. After a brutal 2025 that saw 15 debutants and a 13-game losing streak, the big question is whether the young Bombers can take a step forward in 2026. In this episode we analyse: What the practice matches revealed The key statistical trends that shaped Essendon's 2025 season Which metrics will matter most in 2026 List changes and emerging young talent The biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad A full SWOT analysis of the Bombers Our three bold predictions for the season ahead Plus: Another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination Discussion around Essendon's midfield, intercept game and turnover defence Which players have surged into Round 1 contention If Essendon is going to improve in 2026, the answers will likely come from territory, turnovers and transition football. We break down exactly what to watch for. _____ 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 7 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 6 and Guernsey Number 6. _______________________ 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 

Essendon's 2026 season is almost here. With Round 1 against Hawthorn just 8 days away, Jono and Humey return for the annual Don The Stat Season Preview. Breaking down everything Bombers fans need to know heading into the new AFL season. After a brutal 2025 that saw 15 debutants and a 13-game losing streak, the big question is whether the young Bombers can take a step forward in 2026. In this episode we analyse: What the practice matches revealed The key statistical trends that shaped Essendon's 2025 season Which metrics will matter most in 2026 List changes and emerging young talent The biggest strengths and weaknesses of the squad A full SWOT analysis of the Bombers Our three bold predictions for the season ahead Plus: Another Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination Discussion around Essendon's midfield, intercept game and turnover defence Which players have surged into Round 1 contention If Essendon is going to improve in 2026, the answers will likely come from territory, turnovers and transition football. We break down exactly what to watch for. _____ 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 8 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. Guernsey Number 8 a jumper that has been worn by Premiership players, prolific goal-kickers, and some of the club's most durable performers. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 7 and Guernsey Number 7. _______________________ 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 9 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 8 and Guernsey Number 8. _______________________ 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 10 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. Guernsey Number 10 stands as one of the most powerful symbols in Essendon history. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 9 and Guernsey Number 9. _______________________ 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 11 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 10 and Guernsey Number 10. _______________________ 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 

Our unbeaten pre-season run is over. In our final hit-out before Round 1, Essendon went down to St Kilda in Ballarat and this one gave us a much clearer picture of where the side is really at. Normally, First Thoughts is exclusive to our Patreon community. But as promised for pre-season, we're releasing this one publicly. In this episode we cover: ❌ The Concerns A passive midfield beaten at centre bounce (9–18 clearances) Poor use of the spare at stoppage Zach Merrett behind the ball – lesson learned? An eight-minute third-quarter lapse that broke the game open ✅ The Positives Aggressive forward-half press returns (six forward-half turnovers in the first half) Dyson Sharp's composure, strength and score involvements Lachie Blackiston's competitiveness against Marshall & De Koning Zach Johnson's most complete game yet Signs the structure is holding up - outside of one costly burst The margin ended up seven goals, but the game was within seven points late in the third quarter before St Kilda capitalised on centre bounce dominance and 6-6-6 momentum. Plenty to tidy up. Plenty to like. We break it down. High level, immediate reaction, no overreactions. Full review and season preview coming Thursday.

We are officially 12 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. Guernsey Number 12 reflects Essendon's blend of Premiership success, leadership, and enduring contribution to the club's culture. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 11 and Guernsey Number 11. _______________________ 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 13 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 12 and Guernsey Number 12. _______________________ 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 14 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. Guernsey Number 14 - has been worn by Premiership players, durable servants, and modern stars. A number that continues to carry weight at Essendon. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 13 and Guernsey Number 13. _______________________ 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 Bombers are undefeated in 2026…after one practice match. Ahead of the season, we jumped on with our Patreon subscribers for a live pre-season Q&A and tackled the big questions shaping Essendon's year. We covered: Where to play Zach Merrett for maximum impact

We are officially 15 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 14 and Guernsey Number 14. _______________________ 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 16 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. Guernsey Number 16 - has been worn by Premiership players across multiple eras and now sits firmly in the hands of Essendon's next generation. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 15 and Guernsey Number 15. _______________________ 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 17 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 16 and Guernsey Number 16. _______________________ 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 18 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. Guernsey Number 18 stands as one of Essendon's most decorated jumpers — spanning Premierships from 1911 to the modern era and worn by some of the club's greatest names. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 17 and Guernsey Number 17. _______________________ 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 19 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 18 and Guernsey Number 18. _______________________ 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 20 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. Guernsey Number 20 stands as a symbol of longevity, forward firepower, and Premiership success throughout Essendon's history. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 19 and Guernsey Number 19. _______________________ 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 

  Essendon's first practice match of 2026 is in the books and so are our First Thoughts. Normally exclusive to our Patreon subscribers, we've made this pre-season edition public so you can hear how we break down games immediately after the siren. In this episode: Negatives Another slow start. Jumped again early Forward defensive habits still inconsistent Ball use (improved as the game wore on) The concern around Jordan Ridley's calf setback Positives Strong corridor defence even when under pressure Emerging roles: Duursma and Roberts look like real positional shifts Midfield contest work Sharp hands and ground ball wins from the next wave Darcy Parish looking fit and back to his best   We take it with a grain of salt, it's February, after all but there were clear themes worth noting. No Jack Kirby Medal votes for practice matches, but the structure, habits and system clues are already showing. If you enjoy this format, our First Thoughts episodes drop after every single game for Patreon members throughout the season.   Stay Safe & Go Dons.

We are officially 21 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 20 and Guernsey Number 20. _______________________ 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 

With Essendon's first practice match a day away, we bring in the best training watcher in the business, Rick Edwards, to break down everything we've learned from the 2026 pre-season. From role changes and standout performers to new recruits and Round 1 prospects, this is your most comprehensive look yet at how the Bombers are shaping up. We cover: How this pre-season compares to 2025 The evolving game plan Xavier Duursma's shift to half forward Archie Roberts' midfield exposure Brayden Fiorini's leadership impact Updates on Robey, Farrow, Sharp, Kondogiannis & El-Achkar Concerns, question marks and what still needs work And yes… the latest nomination for the Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award (#DBLAA) Balanced. Informed. No fluff. If you want to know what's actually happening at The Hangar, this is the episode.

We are officially 22 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. Guernsey Number 22 stands as a symbol of scoring impact and Premiership pedigree at the Essendon Football Club We'll be back tomorrow for Day 21 and Guernsey Number 21. _______________________ 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 23 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.   We'll be back tomorrow for Day 22 and Guernsey Number 22. _______________________ 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 24 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. Guernsey Number 24 - a jumper defined by endurance, Premiership success, and some of the longest-serving players the club has ever produced. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 23 and Guernsey Number 23. _______________________ 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 25 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.   Guernsey Number 25 — a number defined by goals, Premierships, and one of the most durable scoring forwards the club 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 

Thanks to Robert Shaw for being a part of this episode. We are officially 26 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.   Guernsey Number 26 — a number defined by elite goalkicking, leadership, Premiership success, and one very important link to Don The Stat itself. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 26 and Guernsey Number 26. _______________________ 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 27 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.   Guernsey Number 27 — a jumper defined by ruck royalty, Premiership success, and one of the most enduring individual legacies in 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 28 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.   Guernsey Number 28 — a number shaped by durability, Premiership success, and one of the great long-term custodians in club history. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 27 and Guernsey Number 27. _______________________ 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're 29 days out from Round 1… and that means one thing for Essendon fans: Selection season has officially begun. On this special episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Ian are joined by former Essendon premiership architect and two-time senior AFL coach Robert Shaw, who steps into the role of Chairman of Selectors. The task? Pick the Essendon side best placed to take on Hawthorn in Round 1. This isn't a “Best 23” debate. It's about matchups. Structure. Game style. And how the Bombers should approach a Hawks side missing key midfield pieces. We cover:

We are officially 29 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 29 — a jumper with Premiership history, and a Reynolds family thread across generations. _______________________ 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 30 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 30 — a number that has quietly carried Premiership players, long-serving contributors, and now the next generation. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 29 and Guernsey Number 29. _______________________ 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 Xavier Duursma as he reflects on his third pre-season at Essendon Football Club and why this one feels like a turning point. After playing the most games of his career in 2025, Xavier speaks openly about how his body is tracking, the confidence that comes from continuity, and how that's allowed him to fully invest in his game. We dive into: his role heading into 2026 and what it demands the differences between playing wing and half-forward what he brings to Essendon's forward line the impact of new Assistant Coach Dean Solomon his leadership aspirations and what growth off the field looks like for him how his brother is settling in at West Coast Eagles and what excites him most about Essendon in 2026, including big praise for Jordan Ridley and the club's new draftees. It's a conversation about role clarity, trust in your body, learning from strong coaches, and stepping into greater responsibility all pointing toward why Xavier believes 2026 could be an exciting year.

We are officially 31 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 31 — a number that grew into greatness, and ultimately became inseparable from one of the greatest careers the game has 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 

We are officially 32 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 32 — a number defined by longevity, leadership, and Premiership success across generations. We'll be back tomorrow for Day 31 and Guernsey Number 31. _______________________ 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 34 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 33 — a number rich in Premiership history, longevity, and attacking excellence. _______________________ 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 34 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 34 — a number that carries Premiership history, generational links, and the start of several important 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 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.

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