Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s retirement call came after ‘13 years of hard slog’, his mum says

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s mother has shed new light on why the Essendon star chose to leave the game and what he plans to do next.

Recently retired footballer Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti with his mother Jane McDonald. Picture: Getty

The mum of retired Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti says he was just “burned out in life”.

Jane McDonald, who took him in as a teenager, said she’s blown away by the 29 year-old’s progress.

Raised on the Tiwi Islands, he had only grade one reading and writing skills when he started a new life in Gippsland, aged 16.

McDonald said it was now Anthony’s dream to finish year 12.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and his mum Jane McDonald. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“He’s worked so hard and has pushed so much, he can't push anymore,’’ she said.

“It’s been 13 years of hard slog for him. I saw it in the last few months, he said ‘mum, I just need you to understand where I am in my body and my mind’.

“I could see in his eyes at the start of pre-season that he wasn’t ready. It takes a lot to get to where he was and he’s done something no one else has done.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti has moved back home to Gisborne where he loves the country air.

Among other things he wants to work with disadvantaged kids.

McDonald-Tipungwuti waves goodbye to fans at the MCG in May. Picture: Getty

Last month he fought back tears in an emotional farewell to Bombers teammates, explaining that it was time to “move on from football” after battling some personal issues over the past six months.

He is also making an impression with his art, designing a collection of Uncle Jack Watches in celebration of his distinguished career as a goalsneak and cult figure.

He has also designed T-shirts and hoodies and likes mechanics and old cars.

“I’m so happy with my design of the watch,’’ McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“It reflects my personality and to have my buffalo design on the back makes it a special memento of my Tiwi heritage.

The Uncle Jack watch.

With a buffalo design on the back.

“Uncle Jack has done a great job of producing the youth watch, as it represents my footy journey.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti played six seasons for the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup, now NAB League, and for Essendon’s VFL side, before he was rookie-listed by the Bombers at the end of 2015.

“Lots of things were put on the backburner because of footy,’’ Jane said.

“Making AFL was incredible for him and now he needs to work out what he wants to do next.”