Western Bulldogs midfielder Daniel Cross prepares to play his 200th game at Whitten Oval. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney says Daniel Cross is one rare AFL player who never flinches at a physical contest.
The gutsy 30-year-old midfielder will play his 200th AFL game against Richmond on Sunday and McCartney expects the team to be emotionally charged to honour a player held in rare esteem.
"There's no better example of how to live your life and how to get the absolute essence out of yourself,'' McCartney said as Cross stood next to him at a press conference on Wednesday.
"It rubs off.
"He probably doesn't realise the impact he has on the younger people in our club.
"They respect him so much as the person and example he sets for them.
"I know our supporters appreciate and have appreciated for a long time how he commits his body to every contest.
"You don't see many players who go through a long career and don't flinch.
"He doesn't flinch ever.
"He just sees the ball and goes and gets it.''
Drafted at pick No.56 in 2000, Cross didn't play a senior game in his first year on the Bulldogs' list and after three seasons had just 10 matches to his name.
Not blessed with exceptional height, pace or a penetrating kick - he's had almost twice as many handballs as kicks over his career - Cross has instead made dogged hard work and courageous attack on the ball his hallmark.
It's earned him a top-three placing in the Dogs' best and fairest count six times, including winning it outright in 2008.
Cross, who said the honour of reaching 200 games was amplified by the effort it took to break into the side in the first place, was chuffed to have become known for his courage.
"You like to be remembered for something,'' he said.
"I don't do it for that reason.
"I think it just comes natural to me.
"Everyone has weaknesses and strengths in their game and I have my weaknesses.
"But it's certainly a strength that I've played to and I love playing that way.''
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