After more than a decade at the elite level, Anthony McDonald-Tipunguwti will return to where it all started and play for the Tiwi Bombers this Northern Territory Football League season.
The Bombers announced the signing of the former Essendon star on social media on Thursday.
"We are excited to share the news that our favourite son, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is returning to the Tiwi Bombers," a statement read.
"Anthony's return will add valuable experience and leadership for our very young group and his story of resilience and perseverance will be great learnings for our players in both our Men and Women's football programs."
The Tiwi Bombers have struggled in recent years in the NTFL, winning just one game over the previous three seasons.
The club was particularly affected during the Covid-19 years and even had to withdraw from the competition post-Christmas in 2021/22.
The Bombers made slight improvements last season and were boosted by the signings of former AFL player Harley Bennell and the Rioli brothers, Shannon and Ben.
Earlier in the year, Tiwi announced the recruitment of ex-Richmond and Western Bulldogs player Patrick Bowden as the club's new senior coach after the departure of Brenton Toy.
McDonald-Tipungwuti last played for the Tiwi Bombers back in 2012 and his return will create a renewed optimism among Bombers supporters.
His brother Ephrem Tipungwuti was a brilliant footballer for Tiwi and was one of the key contributors to the Bombers' sole premiership win.
McDonald-Tipungwuti made his debut for Essendon at the beginning of the 2016 season and finished his career with 133 games and 157 goals.
The man known as 'Walla' announced his retirement from the AFL last month.
In another change for the club, the Bombers have split from their partnership with Premier League reserves club Banks.
The Bulldogs have been aligned to the Bombers for a couple of seasons and have often provided spots in the team for Tiwi's reserves players that either live or travel into Darwin.
"The timing could have been better and at no time in the last twelve months were there any indication this would be their decision," the Bombers said in a statement on social media.
"TBFC will adapt and won't see much change besides a change in Darwin training location."
The Bombers are expected to develop a closer relationship with the Tracy Village Football Club – the club the women's team are already partnered with.
