MIDFIELDER Daniel Cross says the Demons are determined not to let the Sydney Swans off to a flying start at the MCG this Saturday night, as was the case against Fremantle at the ‘G last round. 

The Dockers kicked the first four goals of the match in just 11 minutes and Cross said it had been a key focus not to let this week’s opposition get the early break. 

“Everyone to a man was extremely disappointed with how we played,” he told Dee TV. 

“From the first bounce things went wrong and then it all came down to individuals and their own actions having an impact on other players as well.

“It snowballs a lot and that’s where we seem to get into trouble.”

Cross said the Demons were determined to play the type of football it had showed for much of the season – before last round’s effort and the second half against GWS in round two.

“That GWS game, that second half was probably the worst footy we’ve played and the next week we bounced back well against Adelaide, even though we lost the game,” he said.

“Guys were cracking in all over the ground and that’s the message Roosy (Paul Roos) is sending us.

“Although we lost the game, the maximum effort from pretty much everyone to a man was really good, so that’s all we’re asking for from the group. When we get that … from across the board, usually good things happen.”

Cross, who had a team high 21 disposals last round, said he always tried to play at the same level each week.

“I feel I’ve been consistent and that’s all I’ve ever tried to do really – just be a consistent player,” he said.

“My good games and my bad games – I don’t like much of a gap between those games.

“I’m just trying to play my part in the team and be consistent … and that’s what we aim for as players – we aim for benchmark games and what we can bring to the team every week, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do.