Essendon star Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has signed a three-year AFL contract extension in a boost for the Bombers ahead of Thursday’s elimination final against reigning premiers West Coast.

The 26-year-old forward turned down rumoured rival interest from Western Bulldogs, Carlton and North Melbourne to remain at Tullamarine.

The new deal now ties the Tiwi Island-raised livewire to the Bombers until the end of 2022.

“I can’t wait to continue my journey with the Bombers,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said in statement on Friday.

“I just want to continue to work hard and play my role to help this group achieve the success that we’re all after over the next few years.”

McDonald-Tipungwuti has become one of the AFL’s most electric forwards since arriving at Essendon as a rookie in 2015.

He was a shining light during Essendon’s dismal 2016 campaign as the club struggled to cope with a raft of supplement saga suspensions.

Over his first four AFL seasons, McDonald-Tipungwuti has booted 98 goals, including 26 this season, in 88 games and built a reputation as a tackling machine.

List manager Adrian Dodoro described him as an integral member of the club and is confident his best football lies ahead.

“He works incredibly hard to play his role for the club,” Dodoro said.

“Not only does he provide that exciting speed and flair in our forward line, but he constantly wants to improve and challenge himself.”