“No, it doesn’t (get mentioned — the possibility of winning the premiership),” the Albury product said this week.

“But I guess every side enters the comp each year wanting to win the premiership and we’re no different.

“Players crave it and I certainly do, we all crave that ultimate success.

“The past couple of years, we’ve taken some great steps, (playing in) two preliminary finals.

“We think the comp will be extremely close this year … but we believe we’ve got just as good a side as any.”

A potentially crucial piece of the Bulldogs’ premiership puzzle will be unveiled tonight when former St Kilda and Sydney star Barry Hall makes his long-awaited debut for his new team.

Cross got close to the controversial power forward early in the preseason when both were recovering from injury, with Cross having had both his ankles reconstructed at the end of last season.

The 2008 best and fairest winner is confident Hall could be the X-factor the Dogs have been lacking in recent years.

“We believe we’ve got the group to do it (go all the way), especially with a big key forward down there now in Barry (Hall),” the ultra-consistent Bulldog ball-winner said.

“We were very close last year, so hopefully (the addition of Hall) can take us that next step.

“I’ve spent a bit of time with him and he’s fitted in extremely well … you can see in his training he’s enjoying it, and I think he’s really happy to be back involved after his lay-off at the end of last year.”

Cross, who has played 133 games in the red, white and blue, admitted preseason matches weren’t the be-all-and-end-all but said the Bulldogs were keen to test themselves against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

“I think both sides are just about full strength this week,” Cross said.

“The Hawks will be a very good side this year, so it’ll be interesting to see how we match up against them.

“Although they’re only preseason games, as an athlete you want to get the most out of the games running into the season proper, so both sides will be going full-tilt.

“You always want to win, it’s only our second full-scale match so there will be cobwebs, but you want to win every game you play.”