It was Essendon’s final game of the season.

A year like no other in the Club’s history was about to come to an end.

An empty MCG awaited the arrival of the Bombers, the Blues and their fans. 

Around ninety minutes before the first bounce, one man stood alone in the middle of the MCG.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s journey to the middle of Australia’s most famous sporting ground ran far deeper than the short commute on match day.

As a teenager on the Tiwi Islands he dreamed of sampling what else the world had to offer.

“I was lucky enough to meet my Mum, Jane McDonald, at Tiwi College and found the opportunity,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“I decided I wanted something better and to get my education and that was the reason I came down to Melbourne.

“Footy came along afterwards.”

After heading south, McDonald-Tipungwuti played with Gippsland in the TAC Cup.

He was overlooked in the National Draft at the end of 2012.  It wasn’t the last time he missed out on being picked up by an AFL club.

A visit from Essendon’s Senior Recruiting Coordinator Merv Keane led to McDonald-Tipungwuti joining the Club’s VFL team. 

He combined footy with work in the Bombers Community Department.

After three eye-catching seasons in the VFL and an increased level of fitness, McDonald-Tipungwuti’s community work was interrupted by a phone call from List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro.

“I had a phone call from Adrian and I was a bit nervous at the time.  I just told the class I need to take this, it’s really important,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“Adrian said 'come to the office and we’ll have a chat' – then I saw the camera at the table and I thought ‘this is finally happening’.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’ve enjoyed every moment.”

The 22^nd pick in last year’s Rookie Draft was a regular in the Essendon senior side this season. 

Now McDonald-Tipungwuti is back in the Northern Territory as part of an Essendon delegation visiting communities and conducting clinics, education and leadership sessions. 

Reaching the heights of the AFL hasn’t dimmed Walla’s willingness to embrace and engage.

He’s an Ambassador for YGAP’s Polished Man campaign and on his return to the Top End is keen to share his story.

“I want to be a role model – not just for Indigenous – but for all kids,” he said.

“I look at myself as a role model for all Australians. 

“I’m proud to go out there and share my story to all kids and see them achieve their goals at the same time.”

One wonders what thoughts were going through Walla’s mind as he strolled around the MCG ahead of that final game of the season.

His journey to Melbourne?  Missing out on several National Drafts?  Or the role he would perform later that afternoon?  Only Walla knows.

Headphones on, he slowly bounced a football back and forth.

Walla made it look easy.

His skill was on display hours later as he kicked four goals to help sink the Blues.

Snaps, sidesteps and set shots.  How did he do it?

Only Walla knows.