Retired #43: Anthony "Walla" McDonald-Tipungwuti - Wins a flag with the Mildura Imperials

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43 - walla.jpg
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent 2023
My Boy Draft 2023: Pick 5, citizen-erased
 
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Ati Tude said:
Seems he would be better off doing a 4 week fitness block rather than playing not fully fit in the VFL and limited chance of getting seniors other than as a sub. But hard to do that without a bunch of injuries now that we have Hobbs, Guelfi, Snelling, Hind etc all recovered from injuries and pushing hard for selection themselves.
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I agree, a fitness bloc seems like it would be a good thing, but I'm not sure what you mean. With those players recovered and limited places there should be scope for Walla to do a fitness bloc. For example, if Davey and Guelfi are playing in the twos with Snello and Menzie in seniors, Walla doesn't have to play.

If he did focus on his fitness for a month, I don't think that guarantees he's in the frame for Dreamtime.
 
ghostdog said:
I agree, a fitness bloc seems like it would be a good thing, but I'm not sure what you mean. With those players recovered and limited places there should be scope for Walla to do a fitness bloc. For example, if Davey and Guelfi are playing in the twos with Snello and Menzie in seniors, Walla doesn't have to play.

If he did focus on his fitness for a month, I don't think that guarantees he's in the frame for Dreamtime.
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I think we are on the same page on this. Maybe i didnt word my comment fully. Was trying to say it would be hard for Walla to get a game in the seniors even as a sub given other players have now recovered from injuries (Snelling, Hind, Hobbs). He would need a spate of more injuries to give him any chance of a seniors berth. So, he might as well get properly fit and see if he can get himself right for 2nd half of the year. If he doesn't do something like that, I am tipping he will retire at the end of the year. Hope I am wrong and this can work out but his fitness is worse than I expected it would be after a full pre-season. I guess it shows you how quickly they can lose conditioning.
 
Ati Tude said:
I think we are on the same page on this. Maybe i didnt word my comment fully. Was trying to say it would be hard for Walla to get a game in the seniors even as a sub given other players have now recovered from injuries (Snelling, Hind, Hobbs). He would need a spate of more injuries to give him any chance of a seniors berth. So, he might as well get properly fit and see if he can get himself right for 2nd half of the year. If he doesn't do something like that, I am tipping he will retire at the end of the year. Hope I am wrong and this can work out but his fitness is worse than I expected it would be after a full pre-season. I guess it shows you how quickly they can lose conditioning.
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Yep I get you. I also didn't realise how far away he actually is, and although I'd like to see him break back in I just can't see it at the moment. If he retires at year's end, I'd love to see the club keep him on in a mentoring capacity. Maybe even entice him to take up the coaching course.
 
I personally think if his will is strong then he's not done at AFL level. I didn't watch the entire VFL game but if you saw the class of some of his kicks especially the one that lead to Munkara's goal - it was really next level. I remember thinking at the time that the way that was delivered that most of the blokes on this forum could have kicked the goal. It was that good.

If his attitude is keen I could see the sub role being really good for him later in the year. He could be a major difference maker there. The class and ability to make an impact without being held back so much by fitness.
 
I think there is still a place for him in the senior side.

We've had a great 5 weeks and a lot for us to he buoyed about. But, it's only 5 weeks. I'm not yet comfortable saying Menzie or ADJ etc have shut Walla out.

Like others have said, a lot will be up to Tippa himself but I think he can offer a lot to us.
Maybe I'm just nostalgic or something?
 
I don’t think he’s ever looked ripped. More interested in his 2k than his skin folds
 
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Dean Rioli is home again in Melbourne, coaching the future of women's football

A piece of the Tiwi Islands helped Melbourne feel like home for Dean Rioli, where the former Essendon star is still aspiring to help build football's future.
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Dean Rioli sprinkled some sand from the Tiwis on the grass of the MCG forward pocket one day before a game. Used to think of Garden Point in Melville Island during this he silences on Anzac Day. Would love Walla to run around on that pocket tomorrow, in Rioli’s 43.
 

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Walla is in this set of photos, which might be captains run?


Was wondering why he’s with Drapes, who is in ordinary sneakers instead of footy boots… like just wandering around observing, doing laps or something?

But in the next shot Draper is participating in the drill in those same shoes, so maybe he just forgot his boots? 🤔🤔

In which case perhaps Walla was training too…
 
Megabattimus said:
Keep in mind, we've got a five day break after Collingwood. They could be keeping Walla aside in case Menzie needs a rest versus Geelong.
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It’s a good point but they could have played him (and others) in the VFL on Sunday if it was that
 
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Retired #43: Anthony "Walla" McDonald-Tipungwuti - Wins a flag with the Mildura Imperials

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