DANIEL Cross says having his playing future secured for 2015 helped significantly as he went through his rehabilitation process from a leg fracture.

Cross, who is on the cusp of returning from four matches on the sidelines against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium this round, said to have know he could recover with his position locked in for next season was reassuring. 

“In the back of my mind, it settles things down for me in a sense,” he told Dee TV.

“I really feel comfortable here and my family has enjoyed the crossover as well and it’s all about getting out there and enjoying my footy and helping Melbourne try and win as many games as possible.

“I really have enjoyed the wins that we’ve had so far this year. It’s been really exciting to see the improvement in the whole team and that’s what I came here for – to help the team improve.

“Where the guys had come from, from last year and the year before, it’s been a massive improvement. We’ve got a lot more work to do, but I’m very happy to be here for another 12 months.”

Cross will line up for his 14^th senior season in 2015 after he was originally selected by the Western Bulldogs at No.56 in the 2000 AFL Draft.

He then played 210 matches with the Dogs from 2002-13 and won the club’s 2008 best and fairest – one of six times he claimed a top three finish.

The highly-respected ball-winner was then secured by the Demons as a delisted free agent at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Cross said he was delighted coach Paul Roos had committed to remain for a third season in the job.  

“He’s been a terrific acquisition for the side. You can just tell the confidence that he brings to the playing group,” he said.

“Personally, I haven’t been here for the last few years, but you can just get a sense from the guys that it’s a changed place and he’s all about high standards and great working habits.

“He’s a real competitor and winner and he’s really driving the group to not just be competitive in games, but he wants us to push hard for wins. In the past we probably haven’t thought we’d win a game against top four or top eight sides, but that’s all he accepts.

“That’s the type of culture and thinking that you need as a player from your coaches and he’s really driving that home.”