The inclusions will be the perfect freshen up for an Essendon side that goes into the game on the back of a six-day break. The short lead-in time for the Bombers is offset by the fact Melbourne had to play its final home and away match in Perth.
The possible inclusion of Cupido could be the wildcard at the selection table. Cupdio has battled with injury for much of the season but he produced his best football of the season for the VFL side two weeks ago. In all likelihood, his one-match suspension probably cost him a senior game against the Western Bulldogs.
But the Essendon match committee might see him as a worthwhile risk against Melbourne. He is a player that demands respect from opposition defenders and he has performed in big games before. He kicked five goals in Anzac Day 2003 and put the Elimination Final against Fremantle beyond doubt with a sparkling five minutes in the third quarter.
The presence of Cupido gives the Essendon forward half much better structure. He leads strongly which takes some pressure off Matthew Lloyd. It also means the opposition midfielders dropping into the hole in front of Lloyd need to be conscious of Cupido as well.
Matthew Allan's likely availability will put another selection poser to the match committee. Do they stick with young Jason Laycock as the back up for David Hille? Do they bring Allan back after a prolonged stint on the sidelines? Or do they go with a running ruckman set up with the likes of a Kepler Bradely.
It will be a difficult call to make because Jeff White has been a star for the Demons this season. If Essendon can break even in the ruck they will have gone a long way towards winning this Saturday's Elimination Final.
