Exciting youngster Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti could be rested for Essendon’s Friday night clash with Hawthorn.
McDonald-Tipungwuti has failed to train with the main squad for most of the week and he is expected to be left out of the squad, with Essendon coach John Worsfold hoping to rest the rookie given his high workload.
It has been a whirlwind entry to the AFL for the Tiwi Islands product, with the 23-year-old’s introduction a rare positive to the Bombers lacklustre season. 
Essendon currently sit in last place on the AFL ladder and will face a huge test against the Hawks at the MCG.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti of the Bombers runs with the ball during the Round 11 AFL match between the Fremantle and Essendon (AAP Image/Tony McDonough) Source: AAP
Worsfold says his side will not shut up shop or enter ‘damage control’ against the reigning premiers, with the challenge Hawthorn present a development opportunity for his young playing list.
“Playing 10 guys in the backline, that’s not going to teach us and not going to help us improve.
“We have to wear some pain as we want to get better and we’ll keep taking that on.
“We’re still starting games wanting to win quarters of footy and win a game and if we just say we’re going to try to stop the opposition scoring that’s basically saying we’re not here to try and win”, said Worsfold.
Essendon coach John Worsfold will not change the Bombers game plan to minimise a heavy defeat.(AAP) Source: AAP
