Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti Biography

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti returns to pre-season training at Essendon after deciding to turn his back on retirement earlier this month.

"Sometimes you do have to let people go away to come back better versions of themselves. That's what he is. He's come back to training, he is in a great headspace, loving being here, he is in full training now and we're really excited to see what he can do," Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney said.

Six months after retiring from the AFL, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has committed to returning to Essendon.

McDonald-Tipungwuti met with Fremantle, who had interest in adding him to their forward line, but was also keen on going back to the Bombers under new coach Brad Scott, signing on for 2023.

After retiring in May, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is considering a shock return to football, with Fremantle in the frame to secure the exciting goalkicker.

The Dockers have met with McDonald-Tipungwuti and held an informal conversation about his intentions, with his path to the WA club likely to be through a pre-season training trial rather than a trade. The 29-year-old has also held talks with Essendon about returning to the club he played 126 games for.

"He's in a really good headspace, and physically he's also in a better position than he was at the end of his time with Essendon. It is certainly something he's considered, and he has had a conversation with both of those clubs," McDonald-Tipungwuti's manager Scott Lucas said.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti retires from football.

The goalkicker has not played at AFL level this season and not since round 21 last year after taking personal leave from the club earlier this year.

Bombers coach Ben Rutten says the club hopes to have Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti back after the forward took personal leave over the summer while also battling a calf complaint.

"He's had a bit of off-field stuff he's been working through but he loves coming to the club, he loves his footy and I know that everyone's asking about him, which is a great sign because everyone does care about him and he is a much-loved player for us, and we're doing everything we can," Rutten said.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has been granted a leave of absence from the club for personal reasons. The 28-year-old has also been battling an ongoing calf injury that has disrupted his pre-season.

"Anthony has been very open with us about some of his personal struggles and coupled with his recovery from a calf injury, we felt this leave period was in the best interests to support Anthony," Essendon general manager of football Josh Mahoney said.

"He is a much-loved member of our football club, and we will continue to care for, and fully support, Anthony throughout this time and we look forward to his return in the future."

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti takes to social media to detail his difficult year after he was the target of racist abuse online following the club's elimination final defeat.

This follows the removal of a racist comment by a supporter on Essendon's Facebook page after the Bomber's 49-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

"As a society we should never define anyone by the colour of their skin, race, culture or ability," the 28-year-old posted on Instagram.

"In Australia we are one people and a diverse community that should be galvanising together instead of ripping each other apart.

"My family and I like many others are separated by distance and COVID restrictions which has made this year very difficult for all. We all feel isolated and we should be using our words to unite us in the face of adversity."

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti signs a three-year contract with Essendon to remain at the club until the end of 2022.

"I am really enjoying playing football for this club and I can't wait to continue my journey with the Bombers," McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

"I just want to continue to work hard and play my role to help this group achieve the success that we're all after over the next few years."

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti says he can't wait to run out alongside his former Gippsland Power teammate Dyson Heppell in the Bombers' season opener next year.

"I talked to him (Heppell) when he came back and said, 'Imagine what it will be like,'" McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

"It will be like back in the old days."

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has gone from speculative draft pick to being in Essendon's best 22 inside a year.

He approached Worsfold at the end of last year to discuss his hopes of getting onto the list when the new coach was into his first month at the club. He's glad he took the plunge and put his case forward.

"It was during my lunch break and I thought I needed to go and talk to John and see what he said about me training with the boys. I ended up going in and was a bit nervous and went up to him and asked him if I could come up and train and have a go at AFL level," he said.

"We had a chat from then and worked it out and I've really enjoyed playing under him.

"I really enjoyed working [at the club] and learning different cultures, but AFL was my passion and I had to go for it."

He was overlooked at several drafts, and had begun to think an AFL career might have passed him by. Essendon has been a club that has produced strong indigenous voices over the past three decades, and McDonald-Tipungwuti is keen to use his building profile for good.

"It's something I want to do, and encourage indigenous kids to achieve their goals, even if it's footy or just anything in life. I want to be that leader for everyone [so they know] they can achieve their goals if they put their mind to it," McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

"It wasn't easy. It was pretty hard. But I had the support with my families and a few friends. I knew where I had to get and [it was the] AFL. I had to put my mind into it and I finally achieved it, and I've still got a few more years to come."

Essendon signs Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti to a new three-year deal after his breakout 2016 season.

The Bombers rookie was elevated to the senior list earlier this year and has impressed with his pace and hardness across half-back.

Essendon drafted McDonald-Tipungwuti last year after he played for its VFL side, and the 23-year-old will now be tied to the Bombers until at least the end of 2019.

"Essendon gave me the chance to play AFL, and I'm really happy to keep playing my footy for the Bombers," McDonald-Tipungwuti said in a club statement.

"I have learnt a lot this year since getting my chance to play senior footy, I know I have to keep working hard on my game but I'm really enjoying playing my football under 'Woosha' [coach John Worsfold]."

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti makes his AFL debut for Essendon with 10 disposals (6 kicks and 4 handballs) and 2 tackles in a 61-point loss to Gold Coast.