THE TRADING CHRONICLES by The Oracle - TICKS AND CROSSES

[Demonland 73,208]

On 4 October 2007, a young schoolgirl attempted to take her life by leaping into the waters of Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. Two Australian footballers touring the area as part of their post season break heard the screams of bystanders and dived in after her. Although she didn't want to be saved, the two men dragged her safely out of the waters suffering cuts and bruises themselves.

Daniel Cross and Tom Williams were later awarded certificates by the local authorities for their bravery. Cross went on to complete a distinguished career with the Western Bulldogs which encompassed 210 games (33 goals) in a number of positions but is generally known for his exploits in the midfield.

The 187cm, 86kg "Crossy" as he was known at the Bulldogs, was drafted at number 56 in the 2000 AFL national draft from the Murray Bushrangers, played his first game in 2002, was an AFL Rising Star nominee in 2004, won the Charles Sutton Medal (Western Bulldogs best and fairest) in 2008, finishing ahead of that year's Brownlow Medallist, Adam Cooney and finished second in the same award in each of the following two seasons.

We can see from the above that the thirty year old Cross is a hero in every sense of the word both on and off the field. That the Demons were anxious to secure his signature even after recruiting three midfielders with varying amounts of experience in the week leading up to this announcement is significant.

Soon after the 2013 season ended, Cross was informed by his old club that he would not be offered a contract for next year.

The critics will no doubt point to Cross' age and the fact that he was let go by another club in the process of building its list but the reality is that the Doggies have their share of veterans going around and Melbourne does not.

The Demons' list is light on for players in the thirty plus age group who can still lead by example and, as Cross demonstrated in his last game for the Western Bulldogs in round 23, ironically against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, his cool head would have been an invaluable asset in that game and might even have made a difference had he worn the Demon colours (his old team won by just 20 points).

That Cross is a player who engenders courage and respect is a matter beyond doubt. Leaving aside the heroics in Hong Kong, he is a three time winner of the Bulldogs' Scott West Award for most courageous player. He won the first of such awards in the year he won the best and fairest. That year he was also recognised with the Bruce Wilkinson Award as voted by the trainers. He was praised at the presentation by his skipper Brad Johnson with these words,

"His determination and drive is just massive and that's why he's become one of the elite midfielders in the competition".

Perhaps he is no longer in the elite category for midfielders but it's clear that coach Paul Roos has a plan in place and that is for Cross to spread his qualities through the youngsters on the club's list to the point where they will also one day be regarded as heroes of their club.

To be continued