‘You’ll be in my heart forever’: Emotional Tippa breaks down as he bids farewell to teammates, the AFL

Fan favourite Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has bid an emotional farewell to his Essendon teammates and staff, stating the club will “be in my heart forever”.

The 29-year-old announced his retirement on Friday, one day out from the Sir Doug Nicholls Round encounter for which he designed the Bombers’ Indigenous jumper.

In a video posted on the club’s website, McDonald-Tipungwuti could be seen breaking down in tears as he tried to address his teammates.

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He was immediately supported by club captain, and McDonald-Tipungwuti’s former junior Gippsland teammate, Dyson Heppell who raced down to stand alongside him.

After a moment to regather himself, McDonald-Tipungwuti told teammates he will “miss this club”, but his future was now away from the AFL.

“I guess it’s been a hard few weeks for myself, just where I see myself in my life and it’s been hard fighting with your head and your heart. I’ve come to the stage where my heart’s telling me it’s the right decision to make,” he said.

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“Even though it’s sad, I think I’m happy within myself to come to a decision where it’s time for me to move on from football.

“I’ll miss this club, I love this club so much. It gave me the opportunity to share my dream and I’m going to miss every one of you.

“A big dream was to get an education and from there to pursue my dream of playing AFL football and growing up that’s what I wanted to do.

“Even though it’s sad for me, I’m happy to make a decision where I think it’s best for me in my life right now.”

Teammates were clearly sadden by the news as vision of the sombre playing group was shown. Even coach Ben Rutten appeared teary as he watched on.

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“I’m very thankful that I got to share my story and who I am as a person and I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life, but lucky enough that I got to share that with you guys and with everyone at the football club,” he said.

“It’s been a tough time but you got to go through the tough times to get to the good times. I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life and I wish Truck (Ben Rutten), Hep (Dyson Heppell) and all the boys the best for the future.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti played 126 AFL games after making his debut for the Bombers back in 2016. He kicked 153 goals in his career, and finished as the club’s Matthew Lloyd leading goalkicker in 2020.

But he hasn’t played a game for the club in 2022 after taking personal leave.

The 29-year-old moved from the Tiwi Islands to Victoria at just 17 with a dream to play AFL – and was eventually rookie listed at Essendon at the end of 2015.

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He made his debut the following year and quickly became a fan favourite.

McDonald-Tipungwuti took the time to thank his family for their support as his mum Jane watched on in tears on Friday.

“I want to thank my Mum for giving me the opportunity to come down and follow my dream. My family has been really supportive, I couldn’t do it without you and you’ve always pushed me to follow my dream and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you,” he said.

“I know we’ve gone through so much together but I’m thankful that you’ve come into my life. I cherish the moments that we’ve gone through and for you to push me to follow my dreams.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti will bid farewell to the game on Saturday night at the Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster against Richmond.