Afleveringen
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The bye is over and Essendon returns for a big opportunity in their Round 16 clash against North Melbourne.
With finals out of reach but plenty still to play for, Ian Hume and Josh Wilson break down why the final nine weeks of the season remain important for the Bombers' future. They discuss Essendon's disappointing loss to Melbourne, the key statistical areas that need improvement, and what Dean Solomon's game style comments could mean for the remainder of 2026.
The boys also dive into:
The latest coaching rumours and what Essendon should be looking for in its next senior coachTrade speculation surrounding Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley and Darcy ParishEssendon's reported interest in Jed Walter and Lachie NealeFive things they want to see from the Bombers after the byeNorth Melbourne's improvement in 2026 and where the Roos can be exposedSelection headaches with Caldwell, McGrath, Parish, Kako and El-Hawli all returningKey tactical battles that could decide the gamePredictions for Essendon's quest to secure its first Melbourne win in over a yearCan the Bombers respond after the bye and gain revenge for their Round 3 defeat to North Melbourne? Tune in as Don The Stat previews a massive Sunday afternoon clash.
#DonTheStat #Essendon #AFL
____
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The Don The Stat Patreon community takes centre stage in our annual Mid-Season Q&A Special!
With Essendon sitting at a crossroads in 2026, Ian Hume and Jonathan Walsh tackle a huge range of supporter questions covering the biggest issues facing the club.
š“ Is there anything positive to take from the season so far?ā« Who should coach Essendon in 2027 ā James Hird, James Kelly or John Longmire?š“ Can fans trust the club to make the right decision this time?ā« What should Essendon's list strategy be over the next two years?š“ Which experienced players should the Bombers target through free agency?ā« Who has actually improved this season?š“ What's the ideal midfield mix moving forward?ā« What does the future hold for Elijah Tsatas?š“ Should Essendon take Harry Van Hattum or Akay Barker at the top of the draft?
Plus plenty more discussion on the rebuild, player development, culture, leadership, draft strategy and where the Bombers go from here.
A huge thank you to all our Patreon members who submitted questions and joined us live for another fantastic Q&A session.
#DonTheStat #EssendonFC #AFL
____
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Is Essendon still on the right path, or has the club blinked at a critical moment in its rebuild?
This week on Don The Stat, Ian is joined by Tommy Wolfe from Reading The Play (https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/) for a deep dive into the Bombers' future following the shock departure of Brad Scott.
Tommy discusses why he believes Essendon is still two strong drafts away from completing its talent base, where the Bombers sit compared to successful rebuilds such as Melbourne and Fremantle, and whether it's possible to sack a coach without abandoning a long-term vision.
The conversation also explores:
š“ Was Brad Scott the right coach at the wrong time?ā« How many more years should Essendon prioritise the draft?š“ The risks and rewards of chasing quick improvement through trades and free agencyā« Why some rebuilds succeed while others become stuck in AFL's middle groundš“ The growing momentum behind James Hird's coaching candidacyā« Essendon's dream 2026 draft and trade periodš“ The impact of Tasmania's arrival on list managementā« What Tommy would change about AFL drafting, free agency and list rules
Plus, Tommy shares his journey with Reading The Play, his favourite Essendon memories, and why he believes the Bombers must avoid repeating the mistakes of "old Essendon."
If you're interested in list building, recruiting, AFL strategy, and where Essendon's rebuild goes from here, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
šļø Listen now and join the conversation.
___
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Essendon heads to the MCG to face a Melbourne side that has transformed into one of the competition's most dangerous teams since the Bombers upset them during Gather Round.
With Jono away in England, Ian is joined by long-time Don The Stat patron and tactical analyst Josh Wilson to break down Essendon's loss to Carlton, assess the early signs of the Dean Solomon era, and preview a massive challenge against the Demons.
š“ Topics include:
What Essendon did right at centre bounce against CarltonWhy the Bombers continue to struggle with inside 50 connectionBen McKay's surprising impact as a forwardZach Merrett's move to half-back and whether it worksThe emergence of Nick Bryan and Sullivan RobeyWhat's changed under Dean Solomon?Injury updates and the cavalry arriving after the byeMelbourne's rise into the top fiveNick Bryan's biggest test yet against Max GawnHow Essendon can repeat the formula that worked in Gather RoundKey match-ups and tactical battles to watchPlus, Ian and Josh discuss the future direction of the club, the continued development of Essendon's young core, and what success should look like for the remainder of the 2026 season.
š Don't forget to check out this week's Draft Rankings special with Rick Edwards and keep an eye out for Sunday's coaching and club direction discussion with Tommy Wolfe from Reading The Play.
šļø Like, subscribe and join the conversation.
#AFL #EssendonFC #DonTheStat
_____
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Support Rick at his Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards
With Essendon's 2026 season spiralling and the AFL Draft becoming the major source of optimism for Bombers fans, we welcome back one of the most respected talent watchers in the Essendon community ā Rick Edwards.
In this special Don The Stat episode, Rick reveals his exclusive Mid-Season Top 20 AFL Draft Rankings and breaks down the players every Essendon supporter should be watching ahead of the National Championships.
We discuss:
š The state of Essendon's season and whether Brad Scott's sacking was the right call
š James Hird's coaching prospects and what the Bombers should prioritise in their rebuild
š Why Harry Van Hattum is currently Rick's No.1 prospect
š Arki Butler, Ethan Drever, Kodah Edwards, Harvie Cook and the other elite talents climbing draft boards
š Who Essendon could target with multiple early selections
š The latest on NGA prospects Justice, Bewick, Jed Naim, Darwish and Rodan
š Rick's experience watching the Vic Metro vs Vic Country trial match
š The players who could rise rapidly during the National Championships
If you're already looking ahead to the future of the Essendon Football Club, this is the draft episode you've been waiting for.
Don't forget to check out Rick's Patreon for exclusive training reports, vision and draft analysis, and follow him on X at @BomberRicko.
š“ā« #GoDons
____
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Stubby Holder Form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRJGhBVEqDn7pywRvnDCnybyQR8vvoeMoIaoIGa0QDx7hT0A/viewform?usp=dialog
Essendon and Carlton. The ladder might say one thing, but this rivalry always means something.
This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey review Dean Solomon's first game as interim coach following the Bombers' disappointing loss to West Coast and examine what, if anything, changed on-field.
The boys dive into:
The clearance dominance that failed to translate into scoreboard pressureNick Bryan's emergence as a genuine AFL ruckmanThe departures of Ben Jacobs and Ben RobbinsAnother brutal injury update involving Archie May and Lewis HayesEssendon's request for AFL assistance and what support could look likeWhether key defence has suddenly become a list priorityCarlton's resurgence under Josh FraserThe Blues' dangerous centre bounce game and how Essendon can combat itSelection dilemmas ahead of a huge Sunday night clash at the MCGPlus, the Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award returns and an obscure stat about identical twins rucking against each other.
All that and plenty more in another big edition of Don The Stat.
Go Dons. š“ā«ļøš
____
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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It has been one of the biggest weeks in recent Essendon history.
After another injury-hit loss, this time to Richmond in Dreamtime at the āG, the Bombers sit 1-10 and anchored to the bottom of the AFL ladder. The fallout only intensified with the sacking of Brad Scott, another wave of media scrutiny, and Dean Solomon stepping in as interim coach.
On this weekās Don The Stat Match Preview, Jono and Ian reflect on an emotional and draining week for the Essendon community, the deeper meaning behind supporting the club, and what comes next for the Bombers.
The boys break down:
The decision to move on from Brad ScottWhether Essendonās long-term strategy can survive another coaching changeThe resilience shown in the Richmond loss despite more injuriesDarcy Parishās enormous Dreamtime performanceKane Cornes earning a Barrett Award nominationMid-season draftee Jaxon Artemis and what he adds to the listWest Coastās improvement in 2026 and the challenge awaiting in PerthThe tactical and structural changes fans want to see under Dean SolomonThereās also discussion around Essendonās youth movement, list build, clearance struggles, Harley Reid, Bailey Williams, Jake Waterman and how the Bombers can respond after one of the toughest weeks the club has faced in years.
A reflective, emotional and analytical episode from the Don The Stat team.
_____
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:
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This was recorded on Patreon live earlier this evening. Ian gives his reaction to Brad Scott's sacking and interacts with Patrons.
Jono will give his thoughts on our main show this Thursday
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***Apologies for the audio quality, there were issues with the recording tonight***
Dreamtime at the āG returns, but this year it arrives with plenty of pressure surrounding both Essendon and Richmond.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the Bombersā disappointing loss to Fremantle, including another poor start, contest issues around stoppage, and why the raw stats didnāt fully reflect how one-sided the game felt early. They also discuss the signs of improvement in Essendonās forward half pressure and whether there was anything worth taking from the second half response.
The boys dive into the latest media storm surrounding Essendonās list strategy, including Jay Clarkās reporting on Adrian Dodoro, Harley Reid, Craig Vozzo and the clubās rebuild direction. They unpack the context around Essendonās 2024 position, why the āall inā approach would have been a massive gamble, and how AFL media coverage continues to shape perception around the club.
Thereās also discussion around:
Peter Wrightās injury and what it means for Nick BryanBrayden Fioriniās season-ending setbackEssendonās likely mid-season draft strategyRichmondās rebuild and injury strugglesKey tactical battles for Dreamtime at the GWhether the Bombers can handle the pressure if things go wrong on Friday nightPlus the latest Damian Barrett Award nominee, Patreon shoutouts, and why Dreamtime remains one of the most important nights in football regardless of ladder position.
š§ All that and more on this weekās episode of Don The Stat. Go Dons
_____
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky:
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A 26-point lead. A young side full of energy. Then a game that slipped away.
This week on Don The Stat, Jono and Humey unpack Essendon's frustrating 14-point loss to GWS after looking in control for long stretches. Was it simply a case of experience winning out, or did deeper issues emerge late in the game?
We dive into:
The Giants comeback and where things unravelled ā¢ Elite forward-half pressure that wasn't fully rewarded ā¢ Why ground-level forwards may be becoming a bigger issue ā¢ Sullivan Robey's Rising Star performance and Dyson Sharp's cruel injury setback ā¢ Mid-season contract calls: who's safe and who's under pressure? ā¢ Fremantle's rise into premiership contention and what makes them so dangerous ā¢ Selection headaches, tactical matchups and whether Setterfield should returnPlus Jono celebrates a birthday live on air... and opens a surprise gift š
Can the Bombers respond against one of the AFL's hottest teams?
š§ Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
The episode also covers Essendon's evolving style, key statistical trends and the broader rebuild trajectory around the current young core.
___
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Don The Stat brings up its 100th Match Preview episode as Essendon heads north to face the GWS Giants at ENGIE Stadium.
After a tough 64-point loss to the reigning premiers Brisbane, the boys break down what went wrong, from the alarming centre bounce numbers to Essendonās inability to contain Brisbaneās uncontested ball movement.
Thereās discussion around the development of the Bombersā young core, the impact of Sam Durhamās return to the midfield, Nate Caddyās fiery comments, and whether Essendonās current midfield balance is sustainable.
The episode also dives into:
The leaked Brisbane whiteboard and the fallout from itThe media treatment of Ben McKayBrad Scott speculation and reaction to recent reportingInjury updates including Saad El-Hawli and Brayden FioriniWhy GWS has regressed in 2026 despite strong contested numbersHow Essendon can exploit the Giants at stoppage and territoryPlus, the boys reflect on reaching 100 Match Previews since Don The Stat began in 2022 and what the journey has meant to them and the Essendon community.
Go Dons.
_____
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Article Link - https://www.donthestat.com/post/round-7-check-point-essendon-2026
ANZAC Day heartbreak is in the rear-view mirror, but the challenge only gets tougher for Essendon in Round 8.
After a competitive first half against Collingwood, the Bombers were overrun in brutal fashion, going down by 77 points. Now they return to Marvel Stadium to face the back-to-back premiers Brisbane Lions, one of the AFLās benchmark sides.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down what went wrong against the Pies, the growing importance of centre bounce battles, and why team balance hurt Essendon last week.
They also dive into:
The criticism surrounding Ben McKay and where fan behaviour crosses the lineGreen shoots from young Bombers including Saad El-Hawli, Nate Caddy and Archer Day-WicksIsaac Kakoās injury setback and the latest selection changesWhy Elijah Tsatas being omitted raises questionsBrisbaneās elite clearance game, scoring power and where they can still be exposedKey match-ups including Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron and former Bomber Sam DraperWhat Essendon must do to stay in the fight against the reigning premiersPlus, Humey shares a special family moment ahead of the match, with son Oscar attending his first Essendon game.
A big test awaits. Can the Bombers respond?
____
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Essendon heads into Anzac Day off the back of a narrow 9 point loss to Gold Coast. A result that didnāt go our way, but one that showed clear signs of growth.
In this episode, we break down what worked against the Suns and where the game was lost, particularly around key moments and centre bounce damage.
We dive into the evolving midfield mix, the impact of Tsatas, McGrath and Wright, and the defensive lift from our half forwards led by Durham and Day-Wicks.
Then we turn our attention to Collingwood. A side that continues to grind games into arm wrestles, but is showing some vulnerability in 2026. We unpack their numbers, their reliance on Nick Daicos, and where Essendon can get the game on our terms.
We also run through selection, including the inclusion of Dyson Sharp, and what that means structurally heading into one of the biggest games of the season.
All roads lead to the MCG on Anzac Day. The stage is set.
Can this young Essendon side take the next step?
____
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Essendon is on the board in 2026 and in style.
After four tough losses to start the season, the Bombers delivered a statement 45-point win over Melbourne at Gather Round. But as encouraging as it was, the challenge now shifts to consistency.
This week, Essendon heads to the Gold Coast to take on a Suns side coming off back-to-back losses but still one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the competition.
In this episode, we break down:
The tactical adjustments that turned the Melbourne gameDarcy Parishās return to form and what it means for the midfieldHow Essendon controlled momentum and limited scoring damageThe Sunsā strengths, vulnerabilities, and whatās changed in 2026Key matchups, including Petraccaās return and the midfield battleWhether Essendon can replicate the pressure and contest that drove last weekās winPlus, we touch on Jacob Farrowās Rising Star nomination, Archie Mayās contract extension, and what success looks like heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
One win doesnāt make a season but another might just change the trajectory.
š§ Listen now and get ready for Round 6.
_____
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Essendon heads to Gather Round still searching for its first win of the 2026 season, but there were at least some signs of life in the second half against the Bulldogs.
On this weekās Don The Stat, Jono and Humey break down the 34-point Easter Sunday loss to the Dogs. A match that featured some of Essendonās worst football of the year early, before producing some of their most encouraging after quarter time.
The boys dig into the clearance problems, the damage done from kick-ins, the midfield adjustments that helped steady things, and why Isaac Kakoās time around the ball continues to be one of the more interesting developments in this side.
They also discuss the return of Tom Edwards, the growing structural squeeze in the forward line, and the challenge Essendon still faces when momentum swings hard against them.
From there, attention turns to Melbourne. A side rejuvenated in 2026, playing with speed, dare and confidence under a new coach. Jono and Humey assess the Demonsā list changes, their strong start to the season, the threat posed by Max Gawn, Jack Steele and Kozzie Pickett, and what Essendon has to do at centre bounce and in general play to give itself a chance.
Thereās also a fresh Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, injury discussion from the VFL, and a look at Tommy Wolfeās thoughtful Hold the Line piece on rebuilds, patience and why clubs canāt keep changing course every time the pressure builds.
Can Essendon turn second-half improvement into a four-quarter performance? Or will Melbourneās confidence and firepower prove too much?
Listen now and get set for Gather Round.
Hold the line (Tommy Wolfe): https://readingtheplay.wordpress.com/2026/04/08/hold-the-line/
___
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Three rounds in, and Essendon are still searching.
After a frustrating 12-point loss to North Melbourne, the Bombers showed signs of progressābut ultimately, it was another game that slipped away. Poor conversion, costly turnovers, and lapses at key moments continue to define a side struggling to turn performance into results.
In this episode, we break down what went wrong (and what went right) against North. From improved ball movement and structural tweaks, to familiar issues in front of goal and defensive transitionāwe dig into the data behind a game that probably should have been won.
But the challenge only gets tougher.
The Western Bulldogs arrive undefeated in 2026, with one of the most dangerous midfields in the competition and a forward line that can hurt you in multiple ways. We analyse what makes them so effective, where they might be vulnerable, and what Essendon needs to do to stay in the contest.
Plus:
Debutant watch and signs of life from the half-forward lineThe ongoing clearance battleāand why it shapes everythingThe Damian Barrett Award returns with another facepalm media takeShould more voices at the club be fronting the media?A huge test awaits. Is there anything to suggest a response is coming?
_____
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Two rounds in, and Essendonās 2026 season is already under real pressure.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey review the Bombersā 63-point loss to Port Adelaide, a result that made it back-to-back 10 goal defeats to open the year. They unpack the familiar themes from the first fortnight: clearance struggles, poor transition, lack of movement ahead of the ball, and the growing debate around leadership and on-field cohesion.
The conversation also looks at whether Essendonās biggest problem is what theyāre doing with the ball or without it, why some of the contest numbers arenāt translating into better team performance, and the few bright spots to come from another tough day ā including strong signs from Nate Caddy, Kako, Zak Johnson and Archie Roberts.
Thereās also discussion on:
Brad Scottās candid post-match commentsThe latest injury news on Mason Redman, Vigo Visentini, Dyson Sharp and Nick BryanAnother Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nominationNorth Melbourneās early-season profile, selection changes and where they can hurt EssendonThe key tactical battles, including Tristan Xerri in the ruck, the Larkey-Zurhaar forward threat, and how the Bombers can give themselves a chance at MarvelAfter two heavy losses, this week is less about perfection and more about response.
Can Essendon steady the ship against North Melbourne?
______
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Round 1 hit hard.
After a 62-point loss to Hawthorn, we dig into exactly what went wrong for Essendon in the season opener ā and why the biggest issues ran deeper than the usual surface-level takes. From midfield struggles and centre bounce damage, to field position, forward structure and transition problems, we give the Hawks loss the full Don The Stat treatment.
We also take a look at the wider reaction to Essendonās start to the season, including this weekās Damian Barrett Lifetime Achievement Award nomination, and discuss the reported long-term contract offer put to Zach Merrett.
Then we turn our attention to Sunday afternoonās clash with Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. With both sides coming off disappointing Round 1 losses, we break down Portās list changes, their 2025 drop-off, what went wrong against North Melbourne, and where Essendon can attack.
Can the Bombers respond? And where does the improvement need to come from first?
All that and more on this weekās episode of Don The Stat.
Episode HighlightsFull review of Essendonās Round 1 loss to HawthornWhy midfield and clearance issues were the biggest concernForward structure, territory and turnover analysisDamian Barrett Award nominationZach Merrett contract talkPort Adelaide preview: list changes, tactics and key match-upsWhat Essendon must fix to bounce back in Round 2________
Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat
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Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social
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The wait is over. Round 1 of the 2026 AFL season has arrived.
In this episode of Don The Stat, Jono and Humey preview Essendonās season opener against Hawthorn.
After months of pre-season training, match simulations and practice games, we finally get our first real look at the Bombers when the points count.
The guys break down everything you need to know ahead of Friday night.
In this episode we cover:
Angus Clarkeās injury and what it means for Essendonās early season plansLachlan Blakistonās contract extension and his role as the Bombersā Round 1 ruckWhat we learned from Opening Round across the AFL and the impact of the new rulesA statistical deep dive into Hawthornās game style and where Essendon can attack themLessons from last yearās Round 1 meeting between the two sidesKey tactical battles including clearances, turnovers and Hawthornās intercept defenceHow Essendon can limit Hawthornās dangerous small forwardsOur final thoughts and expectations for the Bombers in Round 1Itās the first real test of the season, with three debutants, new roles across the ground and plenty of intrigue around how Essendon will look in 2026.
Can the Bombers take advantage of Hawthornās midfield vulnerabilities and start the season with a statement win?
Breaking down the Zach Merrett āDealā - https://www.donthestat.com/post/the-zach-merrett-trade-that-never-was
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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
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We are officially 1 day out from Essendonās Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, under lights at the MCG tomorrow night.Leading into the 2025 Season, we counted down our Top 100 Essendon players since 1980.In 2026, we counted down through Essendonās 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.
Guernsey Number 1. Over the decades, the jumper passed through many hands, sometimes briefly, sometimes for long stretches but always onto players the club trusted.
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