MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers celebrates kicking a goal during the round four AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has taken a leave of absence from the Bombers.
The 28-year-old has had an interrupted pre-season due to a calf injury and will now take some time away from the club.
Essendon General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney said that the entire club was behind the exciting fan favourite.
"The wellbeing of our players and staff is always our priority when guiding our decision making. It was the driving force behind our decision to run a part-time program pre-Christmas which benefitted all involved in our program,” Mahoney said.
“With this in mind, we have prioritised Anthony's wellbeing in making a decision to grant him time away from the club.
"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.
“He is a much-loved member of our football club, and we will continue to care for and fully support Anthony throughout this time. We look forward to his return in the future."
There is no timeline as of yet for his return to the club.