Farewell Crossy and good luck

[always right]

I know there is another thread that covers Gia and Crossy potentially ending their careers with the dogs but I think Crossy deserves his own thread given what he has given the club over the years.

Even though I expected his contract would not be renewed it still comes as a bit of a shock to see this announcement. I reckon I'll be a bit emotional on Sunday saying farewell to a bloke who has been an absolute warrior for our club.

I declared early on in Crossy's time at the bulldogs that "he would never make it"....and he's made me eat my words ever since to the point he probably became my favourite player. No-one has shown more courage on so many occasions as Crossy. No-one has played a team role any better than Crossy. No-one has managed to get the most out of their ability as much as Crossy.

It's going to be hard watching him play against us next year if another club picks him up but I'll be barracking for two parties on the day it happens....the dogs and Crossy. We've had very poor turnouts at games this year but I hope Crossy receives the respect he so richly deserves and sees every dog supporter cheering him on at Etihad on Sunday and give him a fitting farewell. Thanks for everything Crossy.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2013-08-29/dogs-to-farwell-cross

[ratsmac]

I'm Shattered. I understand that we need to move him on but it still hurts seeing such a loyal champion leaving. I hope he gets picked up at another club even though I'll hate watching him compete against us.

Thanks for the memories Crossy.

[Cyberdoggie]

Will be a good send off for a legend of the club I hope.

No announcement on Gia, does that mean he's playing on?

[Murphy'sLore]

Whatever other jumper he might wear in the future, Crossy's heart will always be red, white and blue. Good luck, lots of love, and you'll always be welcome back at the Kennel.

[always right]

I'm Shattered. I understand that we need to move him on but it still hurts seeing such a loyal champion leaving. I hope he gets picked up at another club even though I'll hate watching him compete against us.

Thanks for the memories Crossy.

I think this will be the most emotional send-off since Chris Grant. Even more emotional than Brad Johnson's farewell which says something about the type of player and person Crossy is. I'm tearing up as I type:o

[Bulldog4life]

I know there is another thread that covers Gia and Crossy potentially ending their careers with the dogs but I think Crossy deserves his own thread given what he has given the club over the years.

Even though I expected his contract would not be renewed it still comes as a bit of a shock to see this announcement. I reckon I'll be a bit emotional on Sunday saying farewell to a bloke who has been an absolute warrior for our club.

I declared early on in Crossy's time at the bulldogs that "he would never make it"....and he's made me eat my words ever since to the point he probably became my favourite player. No-one has shown more courage on so many occasions as Crossy. No-one has played a team role any better than Crossy. No-one has managed to get the most out of their ability as much as Crossy.

It's going to be hard watching him play against us next year if another club picks him up but I'll be barracking for two parties on the day it happens....the dogs and Crossy. We've had very poor turnouts at games this year but I hope Crossy receives the respect he so richly deserves and sees every dog supporter cheering him on at Etihad on Sunday and give him a fitting farewell. Thanks for everything Crossy.

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/2013-08-29/dogs-to-farwell-cross

So you are not Always Right.:D

[always right]

So you are not Always Right.:D

That was pre-Woof;)

[Eastdog]

Thank you Daniel. You are a Bulldog through and through and will be missed. Good luck to you for whatever you do next.

[LostDoggy]

Even if/when he plays us, I'm going to cheer his every possession. Absolutely love him to death, shattered to see him go but I totally support the club's logic.

A sad though necessary day.

[LostDoggy]

Has there been a more respected player at the club?
They say he drinks nothing but water and only eats lean meat to make sure he's in perfect condition for playing football. One of the great people to have played at the club.
Farewell Crossy, good luck in your future endeavours.

[LostDoggy]

Very sad news, one of my favourite players. Hope he comes back to the dogs in a role after retirement. He bleeds red white and blue

[LostDoggy]

Guys like this just don't come along every day. Here's an old article that pretty much sums the man up:

Dogs rescue woman (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/dog-tells-of-harbour-rescue/story-e6frf7kx-1111114573794)

[LostDoggy]

I remember someone saying on here last christmas morning they saw Crossy out running around some park. Sums him up really.

Does anyone think he was told prior to last weeks game? He seemed really flat last week, wasn't putting in he's usual 110% to every contest, which is never the case with him.
Although the whole team was flat for the first half, so maybe it was just that.

[LostDoggy]

What a sad day Sunday will be. All good things must come to an end and saying goodbye to Crossy will be difficult. He has inspired a whole generation of doggies - on and off the field - and he will be sorely missed. I have no doubt that he goes with the good blessings of not only everyone associated with the club but all footy fans, no matter their allegiance. Whatever he does from here I know he will give it 100%.

[bornadog]

Crossy leaves training:

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/BSzVz-mIYAA32PU2_zpsaa8fade6.jpg (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/mmsalih/media/BSzVz-mIYAA32PU2_zpsaa8fade6.jpg.html)

[Scorlibo]

Crossy leaves training:

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/BSzVz-mIYAA32PU2_zpsaa8fade6.jpg (http://s202.photobucket.com/user/mmsalih/media/BSzVz-mIYAA32PU2_zpsaa8fade6.jpg.html)

I get shivers just looking at that picture. Thanks BAD.

[comrade]

Massive respect from the playing group. Who will take his lead as the fanatical training beast that pushes everyone?

[FrediKanoute]

Good luck Crossy. Have been an outstanding member of the Bulldogs. Often underrated, but never under appreciated. Thanks for the memories.

[always right]

Hope EVERYONE intends on turning up Sunday to give Crossy the send-off he so richly deserves.

[bornadog]

Hope EVERYONE intends on turning up Sunday to give Crossy the send-off he so richly deserves.

yes will be there as usual

[Mantis]

Hope EVERYONE intends on turning up Sunday to give Crossy the send-off he so richly deserves.

I would love to, but I will be in a plane on my way to Wagga *!*!*!*!ing Wagga... Great timing hey!

[comrade]

Father's Day won't help some families either.

I'm trying to argue that as it's a day to celebrate me, I can do what I want.

[always right]

We'll have a big contingent heading to Etihad...immediate family, children, brother, nieces, sister, parents and friends. Could be as many as 15. What a great Fathers Day celebrating Crossy!

[westdog54]

Father's Day won't help some families either.

I'm trying to argue that as it's a day to celebrate me, I can do what I want.

Fathers Day for me will be taking my kids to the footy for the first time.

[Eastdog]

Hope EVERYONE intends on turning up Sunday to give Crossy the send-off he so richly deserves.

Father's Day commitments but hopefully will get to the match.

[always right]

Father's Day commitments but hopefully will get to the match.

You need to get your priorities right:D

[LostDoggy]

Father's Day commitments but hopefully will get to the match.

Invited my old man to come down to the match to spend Fathers' Day with his sons ;)

[Bulldog4life]

Father's Day commitments but hopefully will get to the match.

It's Bring A Friend this week so why don't you bring your dad Eastdog. He'll get in for free.

[craigsahibee]

Fathers Day occurs every year but there is only one Daniel Cross.

There is 24 hours in a Fathers Day. Plenty of time to fit in a game of footy.

[GVGjr]

I would love to, but I will be in a plane on my way to Wagga *!*!*!*!ing Wagga... Great timing hey!

What about the open training session on Saturday? Not the same but better than nothing

[SonofScray]

We simply must get around this bloke. He has given so much of himself to the cause and lived the identity of the Club in his actions on and off the field. Dogged persistence, unconditionally courageous, honest and elite within his skill set.

For mine, Cross leaves this Club as one of the greats. Might seem like hyperbole given the company that puts him in but I loved the way he plays the game and he essentially got better every year he stepped out in RW&B. Never shirked his duties or a contest. Not once.

I will probably be a bit emotional on Sunday. Only Libba's farewell generated a similar response.

[DOG GOD]

Great career with the dogs and a massive heart...will be sorely missed, but I would love to see him be a 1 club player. He deserves to be a bulldog through and through..I guess we will find out.

Whichever way it goes, thanks for the bulldog memories Daniel :)

[josie]

Massive respect from the playing group. Who will take his lead as the fanatical training beast that pushes everyone?

Young Clay Smith I think is from what I've seen written on WOOF almost as fanatical as Crossy. A long way to go in his career to match Crossy's living legend status amongst the Dog's Supporters though.

Very Best Wishes Crossy, I have loved watching you play. I have a mad & lovely friend - nickname AP who is also a passionate Dog's member and you are her faviourite player. She will miss yelling out "I love you Crossy" every time you do all those 1 percenters and I'll miss hearing it too. Goodness knows what will happen when you play for another Club. In 2014 if you see a Dogs Supporter yelling " I love you Crossy" it is probably AP.

[soupman]

We'll have a big contingent heading to Etihad...immediate family, children, brother, nieces, sister, parents and friends. Could be as many as 15. What a great Fathers Day celebrating Crossy!

I think I can beat that. Planning for at least 16;)

[The bulldog tragician]

I wrote this blog post on Daniel Cross, an all time favorite of mine, much earlier this year. He is an underrated Bulldog great. Thank you Crossy. Why do these champs ever have to leave?

http://www.bulldogtragician.com/1/post/2013/05/on-daniel-cross-and-extraordinary-courage.html

[LostDoggy]

Thanks bulldog tragician. This part:


Then there was the littlest Bulldog of all, Tony Liberatore, who usually ended a game bandaged and bloodied and had no right whatsoever to play footy, except for the size of his heart and his unquenchable self belief.

Daniel Cross - the unobtrusive footballer who probably wouldn't even be recognised by opposition fans - is that kind of player too.

Had me fighting back tears because its just so spot on the money. As I told my girls tonight when preparing them for an emotional Dad on Sunday, there is no shame at all in shedding one for Crossy on Sunday.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I feel as gutted as the day that we found out that Scott West would not get to go around again. Would have loved him to get another year, understand the decision and (as suggested by Born a Scragger I think) I may have to follow a second AFL team next year- the one where he ends up.

[westbulldog]

Daniel Cross has etched in the minds of Bulldog supporters his qualities of unbounded courage, commitment, professionalism and team spirit. He deserves a great farewell in his last game for the Bulldogs and he takes with him every good wish for his future.

[Scorlibo]

I would love to, but I will be in a plane on my way to Wagga *!*!*!*!ing Wagga... Great timing hey!

Great timing because you'll be passing over Albury - Crossy's junior stomping ground!

[Ozza]

I remember someone saying on here last christmas morning they saw Crossy out running around some park. Sums him up really.
Does anyone think he was told prior to last weeks game? He seemed really flat last week, wasn't putting in he's usual 110% to every contest, which is never the case with him.
Although the whole team was flat for the first half, so maybe it was just that.

Was actually Matty Boyd that was seen....but I'm sure Crossy would have been having a run as well!

[Ozza]

Father's Day won't help some families either.

I'm trying to argue that as it's a day to celebrate me, I can do what I want.

Spot on Comrade!....fathers day for me is; with the kids in the morning, and from Lunchtime onwards its out for a steak, a few beers and into Etihad.

[Ozza]

Like some others - on the back of his early few games - it was amazing to see what Cross became as a player.

Thought the coach summed it up pretty well in yesterday's press conference when he said (along the lines of) 'If he was your son, you'd be pretty proud of the person you'd raised' .

A tremendous example to his team mates, and would be a great asset to a GWS/Gold Coast/Melbourne for a year to show them how to be a professional footballer.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

There won't be a dry eye in the house on Sunday - much love for Crossy

[bornadog]

There won't be a dry eye in the house on Sunday - much love for Crossy

What a day it will be, with Gia playing his 250th and Dahl his 50th and goodbye Crossy.

[comrade]

What a day it will be, with Gia playing his 250th and Dahl his 50th and goodbye Crossy.

I hope the Demons bring some lube :D

[Happy Days]

I hope the Demons bring some lube :D

We have the potential to go full North Melbourne on them, without the Kool-Aid obviously.

[F'scary]

Cross: a star in our best sides for the last 10 years.

[bornadog]

H6JTn0m6LOY&feature=share&list=UUCYdpsLzNPQpmOdZt_a7DNA

[Daughter of the West]

H6JTn0m6LOY&feature=share&list=UUCYdpsLzNPQpmOdZt_a7DNA

Argh! Made me tear up all over again :(

[bornadog]

Argh! Made me tear up all over again :(

The crowd gave him such a great farewell, it was a really moving moment.

[G-Mo77]

http://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/2013-09-06/cross-says-goodbye-sutton-medal

B+F Speech from Crossy.

[josie]

Geez - I'm shedding a tear after viewing Cross's speech and the B&F. He really does bleed red, white & blue. I hope another club takes him in with a damn good pay cheque too. Also hope little Crossy's son ends up playing for us & that he wears the No 4 again on his back.

[bulldogtragic]

The Age reporting our Crossy, could be the Demons Crossy including a role in sports science.

Good luck Dan. Maybe you could turn the joint around on your own!

[comrade]

I wish Crossy the absolute best but from a selfish perspective, I don't want him going to Melbourne. I'd prefer their players not have the benefit of learning from the most professional footballer in the league.

[G-Mo77]

Here is the article.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dees-look-to-bulldogs-veteran-20130912-2tnmc.html

Very happy for him if he finds a home there. He'll have a very good role there and they could really use a player of Cross' calibre to guide and push the kids they have coming through.

My brother who's a Melbourne supporters wrote an email to his club the day after the last game about getting Cross to Melbourne for a year or two. He'll be wrapped if they get him.

[w3design]

facebook rumor has Crossy signed 2-year with Dees today. :)

[Eastdog]

facebook rumor has Crossy signed 2-year with Dees today. :)

Think its still just speculation.

[Remi Moses]

Rumour circulating he was at Visy Park yesterday!
Please Crossy say it ain't so

[dog town]

As soon as Cross was leaving us I thought Collingwood was a chance. Buckley loves him. Rated him one of the best players he played on. If Bucks is serious about changing the culture at the pies then someone like Cross would only help. Might be nothing in it but Bucks definitely loves Crossy.

[Scraggers]

Just read the list of retiring and delisted players on the AFL website ... next to Crossy's name it says he has retired ? I thought he was keen to play on?? do they know something we don't ??

[LostDoggy]

Just read the list of retiring and delisted players on the AFL website ... next to Crossy's name it says he has retired ? I thought he was keen to play on?? do they know something we don't ??

Been like that for weeks Scraggers.

[Scraggers]

Been like that for weeks Scraggers.

So he has retired ??

[GVGjr]

So he has retired ??

No, likely to play for Melbourne and then transition to a coaching role.

[Scraggers]

No, likely to play for Melbourne and then transition to a coaching role.

Which is what was speculated before ... therefore he is not retired, but delisted. I know this may come as a surprise to some, but the AFL website got it wrong ... again.

[bulldogtragic]

Will be at Melbourne if he passes a medical this week.

Cross, Vince, Dom, Viv, pick 9 and 22. They're doing well so far this period.

[Pickenitup]

Well Done Daniel All the best Was Lucky enough to spend a Couple Of Hours With Crossy recently the guy is all class and his love of Bulldogs is still very evident.

[G-Mo77]

If he passes a medical? Why even bother with that?

Crossy will run rings around everyone there.

[always right]

Just heard him on 3AW when he once again expressed his love for the bulldogs. Next year I'll be hoping we thrash Melbourne and Crossy is BOG.

[Eastdog]

Just heard him on 3AW when he once again expressed his love for the bulldogs. Next year I'll be hoping we thrash Melbourne and Crossy is BOG.

Hopefully AR we can beat them more comfortably in 2014 because in that last round match we only played one quarter really and while still we won it certainly wasnt our best win. We scared Hawthorn, Sydney and Essendon all quality sides this season so on that we should of beaten Melbourne comfortably in the last round.

[Eastdog]

Well Done Daniel All the best Was Lucky enough to spend a Couple Of Hours With Crossy recently the guy is all class and his love of Bulldogs is still very evident.

Where did you meet him.

[LostDoggy]

I'm rapt for Crossy, but upset that I'll have to attend a few Melbourne games.

[F'scary]

Spoke with a very connected Melbourne member the other day, he was enthusiastic about Cross and said MFC would be looking to use him this year to set a standard for the young players and then move him into an assistant coaching role in 2015.

I told him that we should have retained him for one more year. After all, when we started winning games in the last 3rd of the season, who was one of the inclusions?

[bulldogtragic]

Spoke with a very connected Melbourne member the other day, he was enthusiastic about Cross and said MFC would be looking to use him this year to set a standard for the young players and then move him into an assistant coaching role in 2015.

I told him that we should have retained him for one more year. After all, when we started winning games in the last 3rd of the season, who was one of the inclusions?
Jarrad Grant :)

[F'scary]

Jarrad Grant :)

Yes, he was another one of the inclusions.

[LostDoggy]

Yes, he was another one of the inclusions.
Lol, can hear the deflation from here.:D

[Remi Moses]

Spoke with a very connected Melbourne member the other day, he was enthusiastic about Cross and said MFC would be looking to use him this year to set a standard for the young players and then move him into an assistant coaching role in 2015.

I told him that we should have retained him for one more year. After all, when we started winning games in the last 3rd of the season, who was one of the inclusions?

So we'd have about 4 or 5 retire at once?
Good luck to Daniel, and as he put it so succinctly that the club is always bigger than the individual.

[Eastdog]

So we'd have about 4 or 5 retire at once?
Good luck to Daniel, and as he put it so succinctly that the club is always bigger than the individual.

While retiring 4 or 5 veterans sounds good in that we give new players a chance it is very important still to not to retire all veterans at once. We need a balance of experience and youth. Too much experience and youth is not the best thing.

[Twodogs]

Good luck to Crossy at the Dees.

[w3design]

Come back home to the Dogs in some capacity once you complete your stint at the Demons Daniel.
In the mean time, good luck to a true Dogs hero.

[KT31]

Good luck to Crossy at the Dee's.

[Murphy'sLore]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, they are bloody lucky to get him. He will improve that club just by walking in the door.

[LostDoggy]

Best of luck Crossy. Can see him becoming a fan favourite at Melbourne for the same reasons we've loved him all these years. Almost glad another set of supporters will get to appreciate the way this bloke goes about it. Bet some of our boys aren't looking forward to being on the receiving end of a Crossy spear tackle!

[LostDoggy]

Good luck Crossy. Will be greatly missed

[Remi Moses]

Nearly drove off the road when I misheard he was going to Carlton

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Nearly drove off the road when I misheard he was going to Carlton

That would have been a double tragedy. What a way to go for you and Crossy!

[Nuggety Back Pocket]

Great to see Crossy get another opportunity. You wouldn't get a better club man and he will be sorely missed. Cross will be good for the Dees with his never say die spirit being such an important factor in a Club that has been going no where through a lack of spirit.

[LostDoggy]

Officially a Demon. Genuinely stoked for him but geez it breaks my heart seeing him in anything other than a Dogs jumper.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Officially a Demon. Genuinely stoked for him but geez it breaks my heart seeing him in anything other than a Dogs jumper.

It looks strange seeing him interviewed as a Demon.

He looks a little uncomfortable in it too, but I am sure he'll adjust once the training and footy begins. Good luck to him.

[jeemak]

It looks strange seeing him interviewed as a Demon.

He looks a little uncomfortable in it too, but I am sure he'll adjust once the training and footy begins. Good luck to him.

Unfortunately the work he puts in to this preseason and possibly the next if he goes around again will go mostly unnoticed in terms of his overall career.

It's great that's the case from the perspective he's always going to be remembered as a Bulldog, but it's a shame on the other hand because he'll put just as much into the last one or two season of his career as he did in the first few years of it with us.

Good luck to him.

[LostDoggy]

Great to see Crossy get another opportunity. You wouldn't get a better club man and he will be sorely missed. Cross will be good for the Dees with his never say die spirit being such an important factor in a Club that has been going no where through a lack of spirit.

Screw Roos… if the Dees turn it around I'm placing the credit directly at Cross's feet.