They couldn’t have come from two more contrasting back- grounds: one from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland; the other from the Tiwi Islands in Australia’s far north.

But together, Conor McKenna and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti have formed a close bond through the most difficult period in the history of the Essendon Football Club.

Their situation typifies that faced by so many of the new faces at Bomberland – from a wide spectrum of backgrounds they’ve come, all united by their desire to don the sash.

The Gazette first spoke with McDonald-Tipungwuti in 2012 when he was known as Anthony Tipungwuti to most, and ‘Walla’ – short for wallaby, the nickname bestowed upon him as an infant by his father – to those close to him.

He sat on the couch of the Longwarry home he shared with his second mum, local school teacher and professional sports coach Jane McDonald, and the pair told how they first met in the top end, and how Walla convinced her to take him to Victoria – to Chairo Christian School, where she worked - to make his dream a reality.

When they met, his classroom was in a Tiwi Islands community where unemployment levels were high, and dreams set low.

But he yearned for something different – an education and a life to call his own. He always had a prodigious footballing talent – as he displayed as a 14-year-old in the Tiwi Bombers’ senior side, and later in his time at the Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup – but his story goes so far beyond the boundary of any footy field.

Now 22, he has taken Jane’s name after she legally became his mother. The pair has be- come one hell of a team, working together through it all as Walla worked to realise another dream - playing in the AFL.

His has been a tough and winding road, but on 27 November last year it reached a stunning destination – Essendon via the rookie draft.

Walla’s association with the Bombers started in 2014, when he was invited to train with the seniors but failed to make the cut due to a lack of endurance. That’s one of the many aspects of the game he’s improved markedly since.

Footage of his reaction upon getting drafted has since become the stuff of legend amongst the Bomber faithful, and this cult hero will move heaven and earth to prove he belongs at the top level.

“The recruiters were really happy with everything I’d been doing – playing, training and getting myself really fit (since initially joining Essendon’s VFL side), and setting goals to really achieve my dreams,” Walla told the Gazette late last week.

“They were also happy with how I carried myself on and off the field because I’ve had a lot of changes in my life to try and make it at AFL level.

“At Essendon I’ve been working with the multicultural community and learning different cultures and teaching kids about the AFL ... but it’s footy full-time for me now.”

His faith in God has played a huge role in guiding him to within sight of an AFL debut, but so has his sheer will and determination to do the hard yards and pour blood, sweat and tears into his dream even on his days off. He’s been relentless.

The explosive half-back is now harnessing his flair at one of the most famous clubs in the country, learning from the likes of former premiership players James Kelly and Mathew Stokes, and he can barely believe it.

“They’ve come in and fitted in really well, got along with everyone and given their experience to us,” Walla said of the pair.

And as for new coach John Worsfold?

“He’s been really great,” Walla said.

“He’s been the right fit for the club and all the boys really love him.

“I’ve spoken with him a few times and he’s really encouraged me to play my own game and to take the game on.”

Bombers fans can be sure he will.