I'm disappointed as I have huge respect for the guy and he has been an excellent contributor in his two years with us.

I can't imagine he will have much bitterness to the club though, given he got two more years with us than the Bulldogs would allow him, and he has had his path to coaching smoothed.

Really hope he stays on. Playing assistant coach at Scorps / Demon's development coach?

Me too. Cross was fantastic in his efforts and it is a perfect insult not to offer him one more year. If I had any doubts about the wisdom of our football department I have none now. I can now see clearly why we are going nowhere. They are constantly making decisions which inhibit our progress. Ask yourselves the question: Why have we been left so far behind the likes of North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Richmond and even the Saints? I guess it all started with Junior's sacking and refusing Bruce a 2 year contract which he deserved to get. Robbo too was given his marching orders. Were Yze and Green also gently pushed? Crazy. A big shake up needed here.

Bruce went to the Hawks and didn't play much due to injury etc. That was the right call 2.

As mentioned by others, this is very much a 'mixed emotions' decision.

Professionalism, dedication, and commitment personified.

If you could bottle what Crossy displayed week after week, you would make a fortune.

Altho his time in red & blue was only 2 seasons long, I won't forget:

1. Generally, his judgement and courage in 'filling the hole' and taking intercept marks regardless of what was coming at him; and;

2. Specifically, his Herculean effort (after being burnt by Zacharakis for 2 late goals last year against Essendon), to somehow manage to 'go again' in the dying moments and execute a centimetre perfect pass to Christian Salem who coolly/calmly slotted the winner.

Heartfelt thanks for your contribution.

Finally got to see the Video on the club Website

Wow that was pretty special stuff....The team better be ready to fire at the first bounce as an immense sign of respect to Crossy..

Finally got to see the Video on the club Website

Wow that was pretty special stuff....The team better be ready to fire at the first bounce as an immense sign of respect to Crossy..

I was actually annoyed at Roos at the end there. Yes we want the team to stand up, but I don't think that was the time to throw in a little preaching (or begging?) for the team to show their respect to Cross by winning his last game.

Finally got to see the Video on the club Website

Wow that was pretty special stuff....The team better be ready to fire at the first bounce as an immense sign of respect to Crossy..

If they couldn't make more of an effort for Jones' 200th, I doubt they will this week. Having said that, I think we're a fair chance. Our mediocre first quarters will be less costly against GWS compared with Fremantle.

I thoroughly respect the contribution Crossy made and hope he stays involved with the Club. Thanks for putting your body on the line and having a crack every week - I'll miss his G&D!

I was actually annoyed at Roos at the end there. Yes we want the team to stand up, but I don't think that was the time to throw in a little preaching (or begging?) for the team to show their respect to Cross by winning his last game.

I thought it was great...."You want to show Crossy Respect?"

Do it on Sunday because their will not be another chance

If they couldn't make more of an effort for Jones' 200th, I doubt they will this week. Having said that, I think we're a fair chance. Our mediocre first quarters will be less costly against GWS compared with Fremantle.

Not necessarily. I remember when we fell asleep for a quarter against them in round two this year. they kicked 9.2 to our 0.3

He was just on SEN.

Gee whiz some of you are melodramatic. Seemed like his mind was still in it but ultimately his body was slowing down.

It was clearly a mutual decision. I think they both knew his time was up.

He was just on SEN.

Gee whiz some of you are melodramatic. Seemed like his mind was still in it but ultimately his body was slowing down.

It was clearly a mutual decision. I think they both knew his time was up.

You're surprised at this?

It's a shame when some are so focused on the negatives rather than just sucking it up and thanking Crossy for his contribution to our club.

Some of the overreactions are amazing... the club should be commended for prolonging his career after the original club he served so well and for so long threw him on the scrapheap, much like we did with Junior

Thank you DC congratulations on an great career

but i didn't do anything.....but thanks anyway

thanks Crossy for helping us out in tough times... wish you well...

I struggle with the list management side of things.

Delist (I don't want these bloke on the list): Bail, McKenzie, Terlich, Riley, Michie, Jamar, M Jones, Newton (can't run, no heart), Lumumba (can't get it, can't use it)

Tradeable: Watts, Toump, Grimes, Howe, Spencer, Fitzy, Dawes, Kennedy Harris

Undecided: Hunt, Pedersen

Promote: King, AVB, Harmes (one year contract but could easily be delisted - can't kick and no tank)

Retained Rookies: White

That view is ignoring contracts and it's a moving feast because one decision impacts another but IMO there are multiple spaces on the list. I also know some aren't going to be moved on but I'd have Cross ahead of any of the delist group and undecided group. Honestly if MFC are relying on any in the delist group we're not going anywhere. I'd happily pay a large part of Lumumba's salary to go elsewhere.

If Cross was happy to play at Casey for the season (in a worst case scenario for him) I'd have kept him.

Oh, and what an interesting use of the word "retired". He was sacked/delisted.

I share your pain Fan. I would feel so much better knowing Cross was playing in 2016. I know he'd go back with the flight. I know his heart will pump at max. I know his hands are safe (marking and handballing).

But Roos' record for trading players in and out, surely is beyond reproach. He delisted Terlich at Sydney once didn't he?

I agree with your lists, but there is only so much they can turn over. In your delist list, I can't really argue against, but I hope Michie and Newton are the last to be flipped.

Do you think Spencer is tradeable? I think he is a delist, but credit to Stafford about getting him to a level that is close to AFL.

As for Lumumba, he isn't the footballer that the world (including me) thought he was 5 years ago. But for a team that doesn't run and carry and break lines, I think he is a keep. Having said that, he would be AA at Hawthorn or Freo. Actually Freo need him more than anyone in the window.

Still, share the pain. I can't remember feeling this flat for another MFC retirement, and Cross is really a bulldog!

I wasn't expecting this so it has come as a surprise, but good for him going out while still being competitive at the highest level. His preparation and professionalism is second to none and I know he's been a very positive influence on a lot of the young brigade, particularly Viney and Gus.

I really hope he sticks around the club in a coaching/mentoring capacity, congrats on an excellent career Crossy!

Now boys, let's make sure we're chairing him off with a winning smile on his face!

And for what it's worth I can't go to the game, but if anyone was trying to decide whether or not to go I hope this tips you over. He's a champ and deserves as big a crowd as we can muster for him.

Never saw this bloke shirk an issue. Always played till the siren went.

Knew his stuff and loved the contest. Be a name that would be well remembered in any team photo.

Really humble speech; a man's speech

Daniel Cross' retirement speech.

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-09-02/cross-career-comes-to-an-end

Wow. I know some will criticize the delivery, but what a powerful speech. Brought a tear to my eye.

Hopefully he will be able to have an ongoing positive input into our club and our players, and they will show him the respect that he had clearly earned over his two years at the club.

Ah....list management is just so simple, isn't it....or at least many posters here think it is. I am certain the decision was not made lightly.

Now guys, give him a huge send off on Sunday.

So just reading the club website the club decided to move him on not the other way around. That is even more surprising. Even though his last couple of weeks have been pretty average (name me one player who hasn't) I would've thought his year had been very consistent and he'd earned another run around. Now you can say that might've been taking up a young guns spot but I feel like we need more guys like him driving the young players to take over.

Great, sincere speach from Crossy. Now I really wish I could be there on Sunday.

Edited September 2, 201510 yr by Pates

He was a great pick up. Wish we had him for more than 2 years.

Sorry to see Cross go as he has been really good for us.

But in a way I'm glad he is retiring as I wouldn't want to read DL threads condemning him if his form drops off.

I'd rather see him leave with a bit left in the tank rather than running on empty at Casey.

Edited September 2, 201510 yr by Lucifer's Hero

It's a harsh game and he wasn't getting any quicker.

He's got One thing over any of our perceived Quick players.........???

HE GETS THE BALL!!

FMD I'm livid with this!

Remember, Greg Williams WON a Brownlow being a slow player! Sheeit even Brian Wilson won one ... and he was even slower!

Nup, Shocking decision MFC !not quite up there with giving Junior Mac the chop .. But still very bloody shithouse! IMV

Well done Crossy!!! Looks like he will be kept on at the club in a development capacity next year.

Hope everyone turns up on Sunday and gives him the send off he deserves... And yes that includes our bloody players. Hope they turn up.

Hope everyone turns up on Sunday and gives him the send off he deserves... And yes that includes our bloody players. Hope they turn up.

Wasn't gunna go but now this has forced a rethink!

Really admired this guy, on more than just a footy level as well!