Shock as AFL star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti retires immediately

The AFL world has been shocked by the news a 29-year-old Essendon star has decided to pull the pin on his football career.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is waving goodbye. Pic: Michael Klein

Essendon star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has retired, aged 29.

The Bombers confirmed on Friday morning their livewire small forward is walking away from the AFL, after 126 games for the club.

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“The Bombers gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of playing AFL,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said in a statement.

“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.”

A 22-year-old McDonald-Tipungwuti debuted in 2016 and kicked 153 goals across his career, as he quickly became one of the league’s most popular players.

He was the Bombers’ leading goalkicker in the Covid-interrupted 2020 season and was impressive all around the ground, with and without ball in hand.

McDonald-Tipungwuti took leave in February for personal reasons and has since returned to the VFL, but hasn’t made an appearance for Essendon’s senior side this year.

AFL.com.au reports he will attend Essendon’s Indigenous Round “Dreamtime at the G” game against Richmond on Saturday night.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has hung up the boots. Photo by Michael Klein

McDonald-Tipungwuti’s chase-down tackles always made the highlights reel. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

This retirement hits differently. McDonald-Tipungwuti's career was remarkable in so many ways. I think all AFL fans will miss him

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) May 19, 2022

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s career was a miracle. We were all blessed to have lived it.

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) May 20, 2022

Originally published as Shock as AFL star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti retires immediately