Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti says he "would love to go again" in 2024 after a less challenging than expected return to football to start the current AFL season.
As the Bombers fan-favourite eyes an emotional return to Dreamtime at the 'G, the 30-year-old reflected on the corresponding fixture last season following a challenging injury run.
Unable to play a senior game in the first half of 2022 through injury, Tippa hung up the boots in the week leading up to Essendon's annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round showcase against Richmond.
"I remember last year walking off, that was my last game in a way, but (I'm) coming back now and having the fans watch me play and enjoy having me back," he told Seven News earlier this week.
By November the wheels were in motion for McDonald-Tipungwuti's return to football, at stages looking a chance to continue with Fremantle, before signing on for the 2023 season in red and black.
He kicked a goal with his first touch on return, having not played since 2021, after coming on as a sub in the Bombers' round-one win over Hawthorn.
What a moment 😍 pic.twitter.com/d6hS2LFlKp
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 19, 2023
After stringing together three consecutive senior games in recent weeks, Tippa says the game is coming back to him easier than expected.
"I'm enjoying my football. You know, I love playing again and being around the footy club and the boys," he told reporters at the Dreamtime at the 'G launch on Thursday.
"(I'm) just taking it week by week but I would love to go again and, you know, we'll see what happens after this year.
"I was surprised that my body's pulling up really well after the games.
"I'm really enjoying it and it's been fun so yeah, we'll see how we go."
Last year's Dreamtime game was nearly stolen by a moving war dance and cultural scenes put on by home side Richmond.
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McDonald-Tipungwuti said he won't be taking part in any ceremonies, but is looking forward to what will be "quite an experience".
On Wednesday, the Bombers joined a number of AFL clubs in announcing their support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament ahead of a referendum taking place later in the year.
The move came just hours before the league followed suit after speculation they would form a position ahead of Sir Doug Nicholls round.
McDonald-Tipungwuti welcomed the news from both organisations, and said there was no internal pressure on players from the footy club in coming to a stance, but that it was an educational opportunity for most.
He said it was great, not just for fans, but for Australia.
