The Essendon fans were impressed with Damian Cupido’s debut season at the club. Cupido recorded a ranking of 6.5 and the fan’s believed he proved to be a handy second goal scoring option to Matthew Lloyd. At only 21-years of age, the fans commented that he has shown a great deal of potential and still has room for improvement. The overall feeling was that there are still some areas of his game that he needs to fine tune, such as his defensive skills, and once he has done this he could achieve anything.

2003 Games: 23
2003 Goals: 39
Kicks: 191
Marks: 69
Handballs: 51
Ave. disposals: 10

Fan’s ranking: 6.5/10

Robert Shaw’s thoughts:
We have searched high and low for many years for a medium small forward that can kick 40 goals and he has come in right on budget. He is our leading goal assist player in the club. He still has a lot to work on and hasn't got his confidence back to attack the low balls hard enough. But that is understandable because he has had two major shoulder reconstructions and Sheeds has worked with him through that. He has added another element to our game and has had a really good partnership with Matthew Lloyd. He does excite people and has been a valuable addition to our forward line.

What some of fan’s had to say:
Damian has everything to be an outstanding footballer. He is young and still learning. Must discipline himself & concentrate on being a team player. Look forward to many years of seeing him play for the Bombers. Could be a second Gary Ablett! Alan J Milne

This guy has incredible potential. Great Goal kicker. Would love to see him in the middle to develop his game again. Otherwise an exciting first season with the red & black. Paul Mazziotta

Is a very exciting prospect - great when he is on song, but does go missing too often. Will be a big improver now he has a full season under his belt. Wayne Geggie

Shows flashes of brilliance but needs to be more consistent and work on his defensive skills. Number one in the AFL for manufacturing goals from nothing. Simon Remington

Thank you for some wonderful entertainment in 2003 Damian. If Damian wasn't so brilliant half the time we would all be less disappointed the other half. 39 goals was a great return this year, 50 is a realistic target for next year. Duncan Young

Very naturally gifted player and a sensational first season for Essendon. Has the pace and ball getting ability to move into the midfield in spurts as part of his development. John Harink

Cupido is an exciting forward. He could be valuable in other positions but the aim of the game is to kick goals & he is certainly good at that. It has been awhile since we had a player that gives us all that little adrenaline rush when he has the ball in his hands anywhere in the goal area. Helen Scully

Cupido really stepped into the spotlight this year and was a great target up forward. He is one of those players that can just turn it on every now and then as we saw this year. I can't wait to see what he will give Essendon in 2004. Good stuff Cupido! Josh Little