ALBURY star Daniel Cross has put his hand up to represent the Ovens and Murray in next month’s interleague clash against Hampden.
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Cross, who played 249 matches for the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, will follow in his father Peter’s footsteps when he runs out for the league at Warrnambool on May 21.
The Demons play Brisbane at the MCG on May 22, enabling Cross to fulfill his duties as match-day runner.
The 33-year-old, who will play his second match for the season against Myrtleford on Saturday, was outstanding in his debut for the Tigers against Lavington on Good Friday.
His class and poise across half-back, particularly when Albury was reduced to 16 men, was a highlight of the victory and will be a huge boost to co-coaches Jon Henry and Darrell Spencer against Hampden.
“Not being able to play many matches before the interleague game, I wasn’t expecting to be asked,” Cross said.
“To be able to represent the Albury Tigers for the Ovens and Murray will be a great experience.
“It’s something my dad did and I’m trying to tick off a couple of those things this year that he did.”
The O and M suffered a disastrous loss to Pensinsula last year and a loss to Hampden could see the league slip out of the top 10 with a statewide ranking system to be introduced from 2017.
It’s something my dad did and I’m trying to tick off a couple of those things this year that he did.
- Daniel Cross
Cross said he was keen to help the league retain its status as one of the best in the country.
“Obviously being a proud Albury boy, I love country footy,” he said.
“It was always a strong competition when I was growing up.
“Hopefully I can try and help the team get a win.
“When Jon got in contact with me, and it lined up with my commitments down in Melbourne, I jumped at the chance.”
Henry was thrilled to secure a commitment from Cross and said it sent a strong message throughout the league.
“It’s a really good thing for the league that a fella of that calibre wants to put his hand up and play for the right reasons,” he said.
“It’s a real positive and he obviously has that family connection as well.”
Henry said he and Spencer had been able to watch “plenty of footy” and were looking forward to naming the initial squad.
“We’re getting a pretty good reception from players and clubs so far,” he said.
“We’ve been ringing players and one thing we want to do is name a squad that’s available, rather than have guys pulling out later.”
Henry and Spencer were appointed after a review by the league on representative football