Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has called time on his AFL career, effective immediately.
The 29-year-old made his debut with Essendon in 2016 as the club's AFL list was depleted due to the infamous supplements saga, giving the Tiwi Bombers product a chance at the top level after impressing with Essendon's reserves.
After beginning his career as a defender, McDonald-Tipungwuti was switched into Essendon's attack and has flourished in a forward role since, having booted 153.
“The Bombers gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of playing AFL,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.
“I have loved my time at the club and I am so proud of what I have been able to achieve in my AFL career. I am also proud of my education, coming to Victoria was to pursue my education and that has been really important for me too.
“The club and my teammates have been extremely supportive throughout my whole career but I feel really happy to be moving on to the next chapter of my life now. I’m ready for life beyond football.
”I wish all the boys the best for their future, I’ll be watching on from afar.”
McDonald-Tipungwuti will hang up the boots after 126 games in the red and black.
The mercurial forward is expected to attend Saturday's Dreamtime clash at the MCG, where the Bombers will wear an Indigenous jumper designed by McDonald-Tipungwuti.
The Bombers goalsneak claimed the club's leading goalkicker award in 2020 and has been a staple for the Dons across the past seven years.
McDonald-Tipungwuti has not featured at AFL level this season due to injury and personal reasons.
