Some of the stats being talked about around here are useful, but not as much as is being made out by some.

For instance, comparing Cross with Jones serves to show that Cross isn't falling apart as some think, nor did he have a particularly bad 2013.

However, it is valid to note that he compiled those statistics in a better midfield with quite a bit of support. At Melbourne he'd be midfielder number 1 or 2, with little to no support.

Nonetheless, as has been noted, he's not the only mid we're going after, and IMO the benefits clearly outweigh the positives.

A 'godsend'? Or he could come over, contribute no more than a player half his age, detoriate rapidly and end up in the ressies?

All I am saying is he is as high risk as any other pick, if you suggest otherwise you have your head in the clouds.

No, he is not, and not even close.

For one, we can put him on a one year deal. That's immediately a more enticing prospect than signing pick number 80-something in the National Draft for two years.

Moreover, we know exactly what we're getting. It may not be A-grade, but he showed more than enough this year to suggest a good enough level of consistency and output. He'll take the heat off the developing younger players, but he'll be squeezed out if it turns out he's no better than the kids.

No price, only one year, potential upside with little downside on the facts.

Other than that he's great ?

Yep.

Did I mention he can't kick over a jam tin?

It is irrelevant you goose. Another pointless stat in isolation.

If you'd bother looking at the games he played in and how much more of the ball the bulldogs would have had control of during those games, you'd come to understand why they had similar numbers this year.

If you swapped the players, I'm sure Jones would have averaged closer to 25-30 disposals a game. Because the Bulldogs had a better year than us. More of the ball. You see?

It's quite simple Stuie. That stat is absolutely without a doubt, pointless.

He had the same stats as Nathan Jones this year. That's not irrelevant. Stats aren't irrelevant.

Do you think maybe the bulldogs had more control because they had a better midfield, which Cross was a part of? He wasn't a passenger in that midfield.

It's funny that you say stats are irrelevant and then go on to talk about stats....

Other than that he's great ?

yepp a real keeper

it grossly effected our compensation for losing two genuine free agents

Untrue. FA compo was derisory across the board, and Geelong received no (that's zero) compensation for Byrnes, so hard to see how he had much - or any - weight in the final equation.

Our paltry compo for Rivers and Moloney says a lot about the contracts they're on at their new clubs, it has little or nothing to do with taking Byrnes.

He had the same stats as Nathan Jones this year. That's not irrelevant. Stats aren't irrelevant.

Do you think maybe the bulldogs had more control because they had a better midfield, which Cross was a part of? He wasn't a passenger in that midfield.

It's funny that you say stats are irrelevant and then go on to talk about stats....

You need help.

I said that stat is irrelevant, and went on to explain why. Not once, anywhere did I say stats are irrelevant.

Please go away.

Did anyone else catch the snippet on Daniel Cross on 7 news..

Basically we are box seat to land Cross.

But Cross also mentioned there were other suitors aswell that have made contact with him.

_{We could do a lot worse than go into next year with Martin, Cross, N. Jones, Sylvia, (& Swallow or Adams?) and Viney all in the midfield. Even if we took Cross for a year, he can be replaced with an improved Trengove, Toumpas and M. Jones in 2015.}

_{p.s. i forgot about Jordie! Maybe we can squeeze in a game for him also next year?}

The stats are meaningless. Brock McLean's 2013 stats are also comparable to 2013 Nat's stats, there are over 100 midfielders that get 20+ a week, it tells you very little about the player.

At the Doggies, Cross played 13 games surrounded by Griffen, Boyd, Cooney & Libba.

At the MFC you want him to play 22 games surrounded by kids? Is he capable of doing that and making a meaningful contribution, given his form & fitness is going backwards?

While he's a total fwit, I don't think many Carlton supporters would be complaining about McLean's season. He was very good, and I'd imagine he'll poll quite well in their B&F, and that's in a midfield of Judd, Murphy and Gibbs.

In regards to Libba having a standout year, that is totally correct. How much impact did Cross have on this? Could Toumpas or Viney have a "Libba" year if they were surrounded by N Jones, Cross and Trengove?

We are in no position to say what sort of an impact Cross had on some players at the Dogs, and what impact he will have on some of our players, but, given he will be a freebie, I think we have more to gain than lose by offering him a 1 or 2 year deal. Other option is picking him up as a rookie, as given our injury record, someone will be on the LTI list by the start of the season allowing Cross to be elevated immediately!

Cross offers real football winning ability, experience, character and a work ethic to drive the youngsters ... its a YES from me

(do not even compare Cross to Byrnes who was good in a great side but is a fringe type)

The midfield lacks, Cross brings.

Giving up practically nothing to get him.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

What's the debate about if Roos wants him and see value then I am all for it.

I would think Roos knows a little more than us in this regards

Apparently Cross was seen at Visy park today.

I think he is the best bang for buck out there

No draft pick probably not on too much coin

No character flaws

Hope the magpies don't get their claws in to him

Apparently Cross was seen at Visy park today.

You can tell mick to keep his greasy hands off "our" crossy!

The thing about Cross is that he wouldn't add much to an already good midfield.

But in a midfield as deficient as ours, he'd do a helluva lot to help get us up to scratch.

His great strength is getting his hands on the ball first at stoppages and in heavy traffic, and getting it out to someone who can use it (not just bombing it aimlessly forward like Moloney or Magner). He's the "meat-and-veg" player that makes the midfield hang together. In an already good midfield, he'd be competing with one of their key existing mids and he may end up as depth. For us, he's not really competing with anybody.

Apparently Cross was seen at Visy park today.

Source?

I can confirm Redleg's rumour that Cross was at Visy today. Source is mate who works there and saw him. For what it's worth Docherty was also there doing a tour today.

Cross offers real football winning ability, experience, character and a work ethic to drive the youngsters ... its a YES from me

(do not even compare Cross to Byrnes who was good in a great side but is a fringe type)

I was speaking to a mate yesterday who was a midfielder on the Bulldogs' list a couple of years ago.

He totally endorsed Cross. In fact, he said Cross and Boyd were seen to be the benchmarks as to requisite approach to training/professionalism for all young players at the club.

Thought he'd be a great pick up for us.

On the bulldogs board one bloke reckons Cross signed a two year deal with the Dees today...

On the bulldogs board one bloke reckons Cross signed a two year deal with the Dees today...

I'd be more than happy if this is true. Out of all the delisted players currently he'd be the most suitable for our needs and i imagine he would barely put a dint in our salary cap. Despite his age he would easily be in our best 10 players next year and bring some leadership that we desperately need

On the bulldogs board one bloke reckons Cross signed a two year deal with the Dees today...

We are probably the best fit for him, as he will get games with us, probably go 2 years, play under Roos, learn a bit and then head to assistant coaching.

Don't worry about our recruiting this year as i understand that it has already started. The whispher I heard last night is that Cross has already been signed up!

Work with his mate, no signature yet.. chatting with Roosy today apparenntly.

Work with his mate, no signature yet.. chatting with Roosy today apparenntly.

Roos is in Perth, isn't he?