""It gives me great confidence to know that the coach comes up to me and says that I am still required for Round 1. I have had a bit of a setback, but he has enough faith in me to play me still. You think your spot is in jeopardy, so it is a good piece of mind thing to have when Sheeds comes up to you and says that. I have been really happy and want to train even harder now,"" Cupido said.
After a dream start to his career at Essendon, Cupido’s second pre-season at the club hit road blocks in late November when he had knee surgery. Cupido was troubled by patella tendonitis for much of last season but specialists decided that the condition required surgery. Cupido is on the road to recovery and has just started to run again.
""I have just started to run in the last couple of days. I saw the surgeon last Thursday and he was ecstatic with my progress. The doctors and physios have also said that I am way ahead of schedule, which has been a fantastic result,"" Cupido said.
Cupido was unable to do any weight bearing work before Christmas. He was restricted to upper body weights and physiotherapy sessions. The former Brisbane Lions player did a lot of walking over the Christmas break and has just started doing leg weights to strengthen the knee and leg. ""I still feel a fair way off where I have to be, but at the moment I just need to keep progressing with my running. My speed is my biggest asset and I don’t want to lose that.""
Cupido said it has been tough watching his teammates do the full pre-season and not being able to participate. The major positive he has taken from the injury setback is the re-appreciation he has for his football career. ""The injury just makes you realise even more about the opportunity I have. I have looked at it from that aspect and it has wanted me to get back quicker and get back to a high standard.""
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