Damian Cupido has 'most likely' played on the Border for the final time.
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The 39-year-old recently signed as playing coach of Girgarre in the Kyabram and district league for the next two seasons.
Cupido said the lure of reigniting his coaching career and the constant grind of travelling from Shepparton to play in the Hume league were the major reasons behind his decision.
"I've been travelling to play in the Hume league for three seasons now," Cupido said.
"With a young family it's getting harder and harder.
"I think it's best for me as well as the family to play somewhere closer to home.
"I've got a genuine passion for coaching and it's something that I want to pursue.
"The last time I coached was at Rumbalara in 2015.
"I'm 39 now so it's now or never in regards to being a playing coach and I feel fortunate that Girgarre has given me the opportunity.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Girgarre will be the 14th club Cupido has played for since 2010 and 18th of his career after also playing 53 matches at the elite level for Essendon and Brisbane.
He also played 72 games in the SANFL after stints with both West Adelaide and South Adelaide before signing with North Albury.
Cupido scoffed at suggestions that he was a football mercenary.
"I've just done what suited me best at the time and I certainly haven't tried to play at as many different clubs as possible," he said.
'Clubs ring me, I don't ring clubs.
"Clubs get in contact with me and I then choose what suits me best and that is the path that I have gone down.
"I've enjoyed my career and have been lucky enough to play all over the countryside which a lot of players don't get the opportunity to do."
Despite turning 40 next year, Cupido was still among the premier forwards in the Hume league.
The classy finisher booted 114 and 81 goals at Henty in 2018-19.
He kicked 51 goals from 10 matches this season with Brock-Burrum and averaged more than five goals a match for the past three seasons.
The Kyabram and district league is regarded to be of a lower standard than the Hume league.
Girgarre finished tenth of 15 clubs with a 4-7 record.
"It's going to be a big challenge to start climbing up the ladder," Cupido said.
"The club hasn't played finals for 21 years."
ALSO IN SPORT
Cupido conceded Border footy fans have probably seen the prolific goalkicker play locally for the final time.
"Whatever petrol that I've got left will be used up at Girgarre," he said.
"My plan is to make the transition from a playing coach to non-playing coach over the next couple of years.
"I've got a lot of fond memories of playing on the Border and feel fortunate to have played at two terrific clubs in Henty and Brock-Burrum.
"It's a really family orientated competition without any unruly spectators sledging me."
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