For Dons fans, seeing Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti back in the red and black has been one of the most enjoying facets of pre-season.
Not only are supporters revelling in the small forward’s retirement backflip, but the man known as ‘Walla’ himself is happy to be plying his trade again.
In Essendon’s unofficial practice match against the Suns, an energetic McDonald-Tipungwuti showed glimpses of his magical craft in the forward 50.
But the most important thing for him is he’s just enjoying footy again.
“The boys went really well, it is good to see where the group is,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.
“I feel a bit tired now, but I really enjoyed it.”
Just under a year ago, McDonald-Tipungwuti announced his retirement from football, something he thought was the official close on his AFL chapter.
The arrival of new Senior Coach Brad Scott meant that McDonald-Tipungwuti felt there was a fresh opportunity to reset and start anew.
“I never thought I would come back and play again,” he said.
“The confidence Brad (Scott) had in me to come back and pursue my career again has been great.”
Being the oldest small forward on the list has presented McDonald-Tipungwuti with a new purpose outside of just playing footy.
The opportunity to become a mentor to the younger forwards is something he’s relishing and admits makes him feel more in touch with his youthful side.
“Being one of the older statesmen of the club, being around the young guys really keeps you feeling young,” he said.
“It has been great, the boys aren’t too shy, I remember when I first started, I had to learn from the older guys.
“I think we have a great balance in a forward line and I am really enjoying developing that relationship with the boys.”
And if yesterday’s skilful goal was a sign of things to come, Bombers fans should be excited to see McDonald-Tipungwuti return to senior action in 2023.
“I just sort of turned around and knew the ball was going to drop there,” he said.
“So, I just got it clean and the other boys loved it.”
