Essendon will give struggling forward Damian Cupido another chance in this week's AFL semi-final despite the availability of experienced players returning from injury.

Cupido struggled in last week's win over Melbourne, extending a record of not getting more than eight possessions in his five matches of an injury-interrupted season.

However memories of his five goals against this week's opponent Geelong in a 2003 encounter had lingered in the mind of Dons coach Kevin Sheedy.

"He's getting fitter each week," Sheedy said.

"Last year against Geelong he kicked five goals, so he will take a lot of minding.

"Cupido is a smart player - he's learning to play up the field more....he might even start on the wing or half-forward."

Should the South African-born Cupido hold onto his spot, it could well be at the expense of Nathan Lovett-Murray, who also struggled against Melbourne.

"There wouldn't be many guys who would come off a rookie list and play nearly 98 per cent of the games - that's a fantastic achievement whether he's in or out of the side," Sheedy said.

Sheedy rated All Australian Adam McPhee a 70/30 chance to return from a hamstring injury, while two weeks after a farewell lap of honour, Joe Misiti could also return.

"(Misiti's) performances this season have been solid ... he's up for pretty strong consideration," Sheedy said.

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