Page 118 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Again, Argus reported on Footscray’s interest in Cross, this time in 1955.

“Particular interest was shown by Footscray officials last night in the form of Max Cross, half-
forward, from Parkside, a district junior side.

Cross, who is expected to develop into a valuable player, won the best and fairest award in the
Footscray thirds in in 1953, and later showed out when he played a few games with the seconds.

He then returned to his junior side, but since his last appearance he has developed considerably.

Two others from the Parkside team also was closely watched. They were J. Carlton, half forward, who
is only 17; and D. Kelly, 18.”

Argus, 18 March 1955, page 27

“Footscray have every reason to be pleased with the form of young Max Cross, who since his
promotion to the senior side has never failed his team. His clever marking and remarkable accuracy
in front of goal have played a major part in the Bulldogs' successes. He kicked five goals from six
shots last week, and that probably swung the balance in Footscray's favour. “

“Footscray have a good full-forward in Max Cross. He leads well, has a good pair of hands and is
fairly accurate. If the Bulldogs make the finals they could be in the happiest position of all clubs as far
as the full-forward post is concerned. Two years ago, when they won their first V.F.L. pennant, it was
Jack Collins who starred at full-forward. He kicked 7.4 in the Grand Final.”

The Football record, VFL 1956 Season

Max loved footy, but he also took too much of a liking to socialise with a beer . Despite his
undisputed talent and leading the goal scoring, Cross’s star faded quickly into obscurity.

“Max Cross (11 July 1934 – 7 March 1985) was an Australian rules footballer who played with
Footscray in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Cross, a Parkside recruit, was Footscray leading goal-kicker in the 1956 VFL season, his first. He didn’t
come into the team until round five and on debut kicked five goals, against South Melbourne. His
season tally of 52 goals included six in the finals series, four of them in Footscray’s semi-final win
over Geelong. Only St Kilda’s Bill Young kicked more goals in the VFL that year, with only four more
goals than Cross. “

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Cross

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider