Veteran midfielder Daniel Cross has spoken enthusiastically about the emerging crop of youngsters donning the Red, White and Blue and called for time and patience while the pups develop.
“Some of the things that these kids are doing at the moment are quite amazing,” Cross told the President’s Club luncheon held in the lead up to yesterday’s match against Sydney.
“It’s quite mind blowing for me, I remember my first couple of years - I was getting one or two kicks and I was pretty happy with that but these guys are taking the game by the scruff of the neck at stages,” Cross said.
The Bulldogs, who had ten players under 30 games take to the field yesterday (seven of which have played less than 15 games), showed glimpses of what’s to come in the first half against competition leaders Sydney - before fading in the second half of the match.
Cross called on Members and Fans to get behind the Club while Senior Coach Brendan McCartney and his team continued to develop and educate the group with a new game plan and approach.
“Hopefully our supporters will be able to bide their time, be patient and see that we have a great Club with lots of young kids - and they will take time.
“We haven’t had better structures around the Club than what we have right now - we’re heading places it’s just going to take time,” Cross said.
When asked about the young pups that had impressed most - Cross pointed to Clay Smith as a stand out.
“The first day at pre-season training - Brendan loves the contested ball stuff - I just saw him barrelling through senior guys that have been around for quite some time.
“His ferocity on the ball is quite impressive,” Cross said.
Crossy also praised youngsters Ayce Cordy, Jordan Roughead, mature age recruit, Tory Dickson and livewire, Luke Dahlhaus.
“I could name a lot more but of course everyone loves Lukey Dahlhaus, he’s improved again out of sight this year - it’s unfortunate that he’s missing at the end of the season as well.
“I could go on and on - there so much good to see from our boys”.
