FORMER Essendon champion James Hird has marvelled at Daniel Cross’ plans to play for Albury in Sunday’s grand final only a day after being a runner for AFL club Melbourne in Perth.
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Hird said the star Tiger midfielder’s decision to make the 5700km trip from was testament to his passion for the Ovens and Murray club.
“It’s an amazing effort,” Hird said
“AFL runners usually around 12 or 13 kilometres and to play a game of football the day after coming back from Perth is dedication.
“It’s sensational of him to do that.
“That’s a big effort, I didn’t realise.”
Cross has played eight matches for Albury this season when his schedule as Melbourne’s runner and rehab coordinator has allowed.
He picked up 27 possessions against Wodonga Raiders the day after doing the running for the Demons in their first finals win against Geelong earlier this month.
It’s sensational of him to do that. That’s a big effort, I didn’t realise
- James Hird
Hird was guest speaker at Albury’s grand final luncheon on Friday with $30,000 raised from the function going to FightMND.
The AFL Hall of Fame member said he had concerns over several proposed rule changes, including extending the goal-squares.
“I’m not sure how the goal square will work,” he said.
“AFL powers tell us they have done the research and it’s going to help congestion.
“To me it seems a big penalty for kicking a point because obviously if you can take the ball out further and you can get the ball into your forward-line quicker.
“A coach isn’t going to want players to take shots as much.”
Hird, who was forced out of the game following the Essendon drugs saga, said he had no aspirations to return to coaching.
“I’m happy out of footy,” he said.
“I’m just hanging out with the kids and family.”