Tipungwuti played for Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup Grand Final last season after moving to Victoria three years ago from Melville Island on Tiwi, a community with very close ties to the Essendon Football Club.
VFL Operations Manager Matt Little said Tipungwuti was an exciting prospect heading into the 2013 season.
“We are thrilled to have Anthony on board for 2013 and believe he can add some real class to our side,” Little said.
“Anthony attended draft camp but was unfortunate not to receive a spot on an AFL list so we are happy to be able to provide him with an opportunity.
“He has great hands, is very clean with the ball and makes the most of every opportunity he gets.”
When Tipungwuti made the move to a small Gippsland town three years ago he could barely speak a word of English.
Since then he attended school every day and spent four to five hours each night learning his new language.
He played for the Tiwi Bombers in the Northern Territory Football League at just 16 before deciding to pursue his football dream further and making the move to Melbourne.
In a further boost for both player and club, Tipungwuti will also undertake two days per week working with the club’s community department as part of the club’s youth and education programs.
