When James Hird put his arm around Damian Cupido and offered him words of advice just before half-time of the First Elimination Final against Fremantle it was a significant moment in many ways for the 21-year-old. The chat from the skipper not only lifted Cupido in that game but also helped him with his approach to footy. It was a game changing moment in some ways but a career changing moment in other ways Cupido said.

""I can’t remember what Hirdy exactly said but he basically told me to get on with it and focus on my role in the forwardline. That talk helped me with my approach to footy. All the guys at the club have been fantastic towards me since I have been down here and it has given me a lot of confidence in the way I play and train. I think I have matured a little bit as a person and a player,"" Cupido said.

Cupido provided much needed forward support last season for the team and his exciting style of play won him many fans. He booted 39 goals in 2003 and is keen to make a significant contribution on the scoreboard again this year. ""I would like to kick 50 goals this year. Just to get out there and contribute is the main thing. Last year I wanted to prove myself and I think I did that in a way. This year is more about being more of a team orientated player and helping out with the forwardline structure,"" the former Brisbane Lions player said.

Cupido has also copped criticism about his flashy style of play and his lack of defensive skills. This is an area of his game that Cupido has been working solidly on, however doesn’t intend to change his exciting brand of football entirely.

""I can’t really change the way I play – that is the way I have been brought up, you go out there and kick the footy. But I have the personal things I want to iron out in my game and obviously help the team as well down in the forwardline by creating goals and working on the team structure we have put in place. I know my role this year and I really want to make an impact,"" Cupido said.

Cupido is still sidelined with the patella tendonitis injury that forced him to have knee surgery last November. The sharp shooter is currently three to four weeks away from full training and is aiming for a Round 1 return against Port Adelaide. ""I am not going to rush myself into anything because I don’t want to re-injure myself again. The injury was severe and affected everything I did from getting up in the morning, driving my car and obviously training,"" Cupido said.

Watch Cupido in action this season by purchasing a 2004 Essendon membership. Click here for more information about how you can join the team.