Damian Cupido has confirmed he won't play for Corowa-Rutherglen as he pursues his passion for coaching.
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Cupido was overlooked for former AFL assistant Peter German and while disappointed maintains there's no bad blood.
"Not at all, obviously I really wanted to try my hand coaching at O and M level, but obviously that might have to wait for a later time, but I'm really keen to get into a coaching gig," he said.
Cupido is talking to a number of clubs, but wouldn't discuss which outfits, out of respect to them.
The former AFL forward, who played 53 games with Brisbane and Essendon between 2000-2005, coached Rumbalara to a Murray League premiership in his debut season and also coached Airport West in the Essendon District league.
"I'd like to impart my knowledge that I've gained over my journey," he said of his two decades in senior football.
I'd like to impart my knowledge that I've gained over my journey. I want to help young kids and make an impact not just on the field, but off the field as well.
- Damian Cupido
"I want to help young kids and make an impact not just on the field, but off the field as well."
And unlike some ex-AFL players who shy away from representative football, Cupido has always loved interleague.
"I just really buy into that, a lot of AFL players don't give too hoots about local (rep) footy, but I try to play any game I can, I never pass up an interleague opportunity," he enthused.
The 38-year-old's passion comes across every time he talks football and the Roos were impressed by his enthusiasm.
"We're aware that Damian wants to coach and we believe he would be very good, the timing just wasn't right for Corowa-Rutherglen, but we wish him all the best in his coaching endeavours," head of football Craig Spencer said.
The Roos had signed leading forwards Cupido and Trent Castles for 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.
The pair was set to play together at AFL Riverina outfit Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes, but the coronavirus also derailed Cupido's plans there as he wasn't allowed to travel from Melbourne.
Castles is uncertain of his plans, but Cupido would love to finally team up after crossing paths as opponents in the Hume League in 2018.
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"We've been pretty close ever since, I never thought we would, we get on really well and I've got a lot of respect for him," he said.
"It was really unfortunate this year because I would loved to have had a kick with him and see how many defences we could upset."