Essendon forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has called time on his AFL career and will play a farewell match against Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG.

After making a comeback in 2023 following an initial retirement from the game last year, McDonald-Tipungwuti has added six games to take his career tally to 132.

A fan-favourite amongst Bombers supporters, ‘Walla’ gave the AFL one of its most heart-warming moments this season when he kicked a goal in his return game in round one against Hawthorn.

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Rd 1 | Walla is back doing what he does best

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti marks his return to the AFL with a goal in style.

Recruited from the club’s VFL side, McDonald-Tipungwuti made his AFL debut in 2016, becoming a mainstay at senior level to break the record for consecutive games played for Essendon in the AFL era with 115.

Essendon coach Brad Scott wants Friday nights clash against Collingwood to be a 'celebration' for Walla.

"I said to the playing group that of all the great champions who have come through the Essendon Football Club, it's actually hard to think of something who has made such an impression on our supporter base and on our club on so many different levels. It's a celebration for 'Walla'."

"The turnaround from where he was to where he is now has been incredible but by his own admission next year is just a bridge too far for him, both physically and mentally," the coach said.

"It will be an unbelievable opportunity for all Essendon people to get to the MCG and celebrate what's been an incredible career."

McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked 157 goals and claimed the club’s Matthew Lloyd Leading Goalkicker award in 2020.