The 35-year-old played his first competition match in seven months in the grand final re-match against Wangaratta on Saturday.

And he looked as though he’d never been away, winning best on ground with 37 possessions, which included a clever goal from the boundary line in wet conditions at the Albury Sportsground.

Cross is employed by AFL outfit Melbourne, with those commitments restricting him to 10 matches in 2016 and 11 last year.

The likeable former Western Bulldogs’ best and fairest was quizzed if he’ll play as many games this year.

“Probably not unfortunately, just with my role changing,” he said.

“I’m the rehab coordinator, the last couple of years I’ve been an assistant, so I can’t afford to be away as much.

“At the pointy end of the year (finals), hopefully I’ll still be there, it will depend on how Melbourne goes.”

Melbourne has been heavily tipped to snap a 12-year finals drought.

If the Demons were to make the Friday or Saturday preliminary finals, it could open the way for Cross to play in the Sunday grand final, if the Tigers make it.

And given their early season form, it would take a brave person to back against them.

The Tigers hammered the Pies by 50 points, albeit without their best forward and midfielder Michael Newton and Matt Kelly respectively, who were injured in the third quarter.

However, the form of the Tigers’ guns, including Cross and Dean Polo, was sublime and they never lost the lead after the 12-minute mark of the first quarter.

Adding to Wangaratta’s frustration is the fact Cross only became available late.

“This week’s game I actually wasn’t pencilled in, it just turned out well and I was able to sneak up here,” he said.

Albury now faces North Albury on Anzac Day.