All ticks for courageous Cross
This article first appeared on www.westernbulldogs.com
In particular, McCartney has lauded Cross’ courage, categorising the veteran in a rare class of players that refuse to flinch on the field.
Cross honed his skills on the football fields of Albury, winning the Under-13 Best-and-Fairest award in the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League in 1996.
McCartney is thrilled to be giving Cross his milestone game.
“He’ll be there. We’ve already done his tape, so he’s playing,” McCartney joked on Wednesday.
“There’s no better example of how to live your life and how to get the absolute essence out of yourself, and that rubs off.
“You don’t see many players go through a long career and not flinch. He doesn’t flinch ever. He just sees the ball and goes and gets it. It’s a privilege to have coached him.”
Cross admits he prides himself on his courageous approach.
“I just didn’t want to come in then go out,” Cross said.
“I suppose you like to be remembered for something. I don’t do it for that reason [but] I think it just comes natural to me.
“Everyone’s always told ‘the harder you go in, the less likely you are to get hurt’, and I always take that into each game that I play.
“Sometimes you come off second-best, but most of the time you come out unscathed.”
Drafted to the club as a fourth round selection in the 2000 National Draft, Cross struggled to get a game in his early years.
He eventually made his debut in 2002 against Richmond, the same club he’ll play his 200th game against on Sunday.
“I think we won by four goals,” Cross said of his debut.
“I think I had three touches. I think back in those days, I played about a quarter, but we won, and hopefully we can do that again this week.”
He’s certainly come a long way from that debut.
“To come up to 200 games for the club that you were drafted to originally, it’s something that I’m very proud of,” Cross smiles.
“I take great pride every time I pull on the jumper, and I will for the rest of my career.”
