The pair played together at the Western Bulldogs for 10 seasons and Cooney expects Cross to overcome a worrying calf injury to play in Saturday’s Ovens and Murray decider against Wangaratta. 

“If anyone is going to get themselves up for a grand final, it’s Daniel Cross,” Cooney said.

“He’s the most professional player I’ve come across in my journey since I started playing AFL footy.

“He ticked every box when he was a player and he’s the ultimate professional.

“He still keeps himself in great condition, so hopefully he helps them get over the line.

“He does have big calfs, but he’s slow, so surely he couldn’t tear a calf,” Cooney laughed.

The retired AFL star will be on the Border on the weekend promoting the Carlton Draught Front Bar at the grand final, with the likes of Steele Sidebottom and Liam Picken to make appearances at other country Victoria grand finals this weekend.

“I was saying to a mate I haven’t seen too much local footy over the last decade because of AFL commitments and media commitments this year,” Cooney said.

“I certainly haven't seen much regional footy, so I’m looking forward to getting out amongst the people and enjoying it.”

But Cooney was quick to rule out a return to football at country level.

“I’m loving life after footy, I was well and truly cooked when I finished playing,” he said.

“I’m very happily retired, I don’t think I’ll play another game in my life at the moment.

“It’s great that I’ve been able to stay involved in the industry and get the best seats in the house to watch the players run around and comment on the footy.

“I’m concentrating on my local basketball career at the moment.

“I’d never played a game of basketball in my life, even as a kid, so my first game was about six months ago and that’s basically the only thing that’s keeping me from being obese at the moment.”