A burning desire to finish on his terms is behind Daniel Cross’s decision to return for a third season with Albury.
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Cross suffered the first loss of his Tigers’ career when Wangaratta stunned the three-time premiers by 21 points last September.
The AFL 249-gamer had torn a calf in the second-semi a fortnight earlier but, remarkably, was able to take the field.
“He’s keen to come back and have another year and finish it off a bit better than he finished this year I guess,” co-coach Shaun Daly said.
“Obviously he had a few issues with his calf towards the end, he didn’t want to finish like that and the type of guy he is, he’s pretty motivated and just wants to come back and have a really strong year. “
A player poll by The Border Mail earlier this year voted Cross as the league’s best player and it’s a massive boost not only for the Tigers, but also the league, that’s he’s elected to return after 21 games over two seasons.
However, unlike the past two years where the club has been able to pencil in Cross for specific games, his increasing work commitments with AFL outfit Melbourne could limit his appearances.
“It really is up in the air, we probably won’t know (what games he can play) until the season gets going,” Daly said.
One of the fittest players in the league’s history, Cross will turn 35 two days before the Tigers’ first game against Yarrawonga.
Meanwhile, O and M selectors will be hoping Cross is available for its AFL Victoria Community Championships match on May 19.
Obviously he had a few issues with his calf towards the end, he didn’t want to finish like that.
- Shaun Daly
The league will host Melbourne’s Western Region.
