Daniel Cross had Marcus Bontempelli  in his sights.

After Cross had finished his 210-game career at Whitten Oval in 2013 to play out his days with Melbourne, there was a target on the back of the next player to wear his beloved number four Guernsey. 

Enter the 18-year-old Bontempelli, the No.4 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

“There was something inside of me,” Cross told westernbulldogs.com.au in the latest instalment of Guardians of the Guernsey.

“It was like a Dog marking its territory, whoever’s wearing it, that’s part of me, you know, that’s my jumper. 

“I said to myself, if I get the opportunity to play against him, I’m going to let him have it a little bit.”

The two never did clash on the field, Cross falling under the Bontempelli spell after crossing paths off the field.  Now, he can’t speak highly enough of the most recent custodian of the number four.

Although over a decade separates the two men in age, they have formed a bond over a shared legacy and a love of Club and colours.

“I’m not sure many people know this, Cross said.

“But before every game I used to give my jumper a little kiss before I put it on because that’s how much it meant to me to be pulling on the red, white and blue colours. 

“This place just means so much to me.”

And despite being just three years into his career at the Kennel, it’s a feeling that Bontempelli can relate to.

“I’ve only been in the jumper for a couple of years but I think, for me, my love for not only the Club, but for the colours just grows each year and I hope I can have the impact that Crossy has had," he said. 

“You see the names of the players on the locker, and it’s great to be able to catch up with past players who have worn the jumper to understand their level of love, care and compassion for the jumper because itmakes wearing it even more worthwhile.” 

“It’s a special thing that’s for sure.”