Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has his sights set on earning a spot in the Essendon midfield over the next few years.

The rookie listed Bomber played 21 games in his first season.

The 23 year old started in defence but was also used in attack.  He finished the season with eight goals, including four in the round 23 win against Carlton. 

But it’s a spot in the engine room ‘Walla’ covets and he knows he’ll need to improve parts of his game if he’s to become a regular in the midfield. 

“I want to get into the midfield but at the moment I’m just working on my endurance and just learning from ‘Hep’ (Dyson Heppell) and the boys that train hard,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said.

“I’ll try to make my way there in a couple of years time but I’m really enjoying playing half back and forward.”

After spending several seasons with Essendon’s VFL side, Walla’s opportunity in the AFL came after he was selected in the second round of last year’s Rookie Draft. 

McDonald-Tipungwuti was placed on the senior list on the eve of the season after some impressive NAB Challenge form.  He was rested in round 12 but was a mainstay in the Essendon line-up throughout the year.

Walla was one of ten players to run out with the Bombers for the first time in round one.  His ten possessions that day confirmed his promise, while his 20-disposal effort against Melbourne a week later provided further excitement.

“It was frightening the first time but I’ve really enjoyed the experience,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said of his first season. 

“I had support from (James) Kelly and (Mark) Baguley and the other players around me.

“It was one of my dreams and I was lucky enough to play round one and ended up playing 21 games and I’m pretty happy with that.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti finished seventh in the Crichton Medal and won the Club’s Rising Star award.

He signed a three-year contract extension in August, which will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of 2019.