MIDFIELDER Daniel Cross will play on in 2015 after signing a new one-year deal with the club, after it was announced before Melbourne’s clash against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

Cross, who has played 223 AFL matches, including 13 with the Demons this year, has been a fine recruit for Melbourne after a distinguished career with the Western Bulldogs from 2002-13.

He played every match this year until he suffered a leg fracture against North Melbourne in round 14. The 31-year-old is expected to miss another three to four weeks with the injury, but he has become an important member of the team in 2014, hence his new contract.

Manager of football operations said Cross had earned the opportunity to play on next year.

“We brought Daniel to the club because we knew he could play a role for us on the field,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“He also had a reputation for elite preparation and we thought he could also add some leadership and help out our younger players.

“We’re very happy with what he’s done and we’re pleased to offer him another contract.”

Cross, a best and fairest winner with the Western Bulldogs in 2008, also finished runner-up four times and third on one occasion with the Dogs.

An All-Australian nominee in 2008, Cross was an International Rules series member in 2010 and a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee back in 2004.

He was also a member of the Dogs’ pre-season premiership team in 2010.