Essendon grant McDonald-Tipungwuti leave

"Anthony has been very open with us about some of his personal struggles and coupled with his recovery from a calf injury, we felt this leave period was in the best interests to support Anthony," Bombers' football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"He is a much loved member of our football club and we will continue to care for and fully support Anthony throughout this time, and we look forward to his return in the future."

The goalsneak sat out the last three matches of Essendon's 2021 season including an elimination-final defeat to the Western Bulldogs for personal reasons.

The 126-gamer had earlier kicked an equal career-best 34 goals in 20 appearances last season before his campaign was cut short.

Essendon are seeking successive top-eight finishes in 2022 and begin their AFL premiership season against Geelong on March 19.