Shepparton based Damian Cupido confronted by COVID-19 outbreak

But the star forward who resides in Shepparton says it's a 'scary experience' living in the town at the centre of regional Victoria's most concerning COVID-19 outbreak.

"It's pretty worrying and there is a lot of uncertainty in the area," Cupido said.

"It exploded out of nowhere and has affected the whole of the Goulburn Valley.

"It makes life really tough with a lot of the places that the family and I frequent for shopping considered either Tier 1 or Tier 2 exposure sites.

"We have been blessed in that previously we had only had one COVID case locally last year.

"But it's certainly a scary experience to have COVID-19 on your doorstep."

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Cupido revealed he recently had his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"I've had my first jab," he said.

"I was a bit crook for the first 24 hours but fine after that which is quite normal."

Cupido joined Brock-Burrum this season after signing with Corowa-Rutherglen last year but didn't play a match with the Roos after most competitions were scrapped due to COVID-19.

After a slow start to the season due to injury, Cupido has been back to somewhere near his brilliant best over the past month.

He has booted 27 goals in the past four matches to take his season tally to 51 from 10 appearances.

Cupido said he was unlikely to play for the Saints again next season and was keen to explore coaching opportunities closer to Shepparton.

"I haven't officially made up my mind what I'll do next year," he said.

"I've had offers for a few interviews in regards to coaching jobs in Shepparton.

"Living in Victoria and playing in a NSW based competition, I've already missed four matches due to COVID and the writing's on the wall.

"If it was a COVID free world I would seriously consider staying at Brock-Burrum - but its not."

Cupido said he had thoroughly enjoyed his brief stint at the Saints and playing under coach Kade Stevens.

"I love the club and all the blokes that play there," he said.

"But it just doesn't make sense to have another season there in the current COVID environment.

"I had a discussion with president Steve Koschitzke about coaching and we both agreed it's not practical while I'm based in Shepparton."

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