Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is considering a shock return to the AFL, with Fremantle the early favourite to sign the 29-year-old, according to Matthew Lloyd.
McDonald-Tipungwuti announced his immediate retirement from the game in May, after playing 126 matches for Essendon.
He didn’t play at all in 2022 after taking personal leave.
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According to Lloyd, McDonald-Tipungwuti attended Essendon’s best and fairest award on Monday night.
“A bit of news, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was in the room despite retiring earlier in the year and he is contemplating a return back to football to play AFL next year,” Lloyd told AFL Trade Radio.
“Essendon are very keen for him to re-join Essendon, but leading the race to have Anthony next year is the Fremantle Dockers.
“Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is considering a move to Western Australia to play for Fremantle if he does decide he’s going to put the work in and play AFL football again.
“Both the Bombers and Fremantle would like him to play and Fremantle (is) leading the race currently.
“I think for Anthony, his lifestyle and everything, he’s had a fair bit going on. I think it’s the environment he needs and if he feels it’s best to leave Victoria, well, I’d be comfortable with that.”
McDonald-Tipungwuti was picked up by the Bombers in the 2015 rookie draft, and made his senior debut in the opening match of the following season.
He was a fan favourite for Bombers supporters, and was Essendon’s leading goalkicker in 2020.
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