Essendon are in discussions with the AFL to get first crack at Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, should he return to the game.

McDonald-Tipungwuti retired earlier this year after playing 126 matches for the Bombers, but AFL Trade Radio’s Matthew Lloyd says the club hasn’t given up hope of re-signing the forward.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out,” Lloyd said.

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“Essendon put in forms to say Anthony had retired, and allowed them to get another selection.

“They are now in discussions … to say, how can we now withdraw that so they could have first tabs on him if he does make himself available.”

Lloyd revealed on Tuesday that the Dockers had emerged as the favourite to sign the 29-year-old.

“I think he’s open to Fremantle, I think it would be better that way,” Lloyd said.

“He has to do a hard pre-season with a club for them to see whether he’s up to it to put him on a list.”

Speaking to AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday, McDonald-Tipungwuti’s manager Scott Lucas confirmed he’d had discussions with both clubs.

“He has had a brief chat with Fremantle and a rather informal chat with Essendon. A lot of water to go under the bridge still,” he said.

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“He has had some circumstances change and he has considered a return and had a chat with the two clubs.

“He would have to be delisted by Essendon and go through the draft if he was keen to get to Fremantle.”

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