Melbourne has signed Casey Demons forward Paddy Cross on the final day of the SSP, filling the vacancy left by the recently retired Steven May.
Cross had been training with the AFL side over the pre-season and has been with the Demons' VFL outfit since 2023, featuring in 28 games, of which 18 came last year following his impressive development.
The 23-year-old kicked 24 goals in his 18 outings, including a bag of four in the elimination final against Williamstown.
Melbourne opened a list spot following May's decision to retire on the eve of the 2026 season.
The key forward signing also comes as emerging tall Luker Kentfield has a troublesome knee, but he has avoided surgery.
"Paddy has been a consistent performer at VFL level over a number of years, and we think he'll be a great addition to our list," Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb said.
"He brings real versatility, has shown he can compete at a high level, and has continued to improve his game year after year.”
"We're really looking forward to welcoming Paddy and his family to the Demons."
Cross' signing comes 12 months after the Demons were granted an exemption to sign Jai Culley via the SSP after a late pre-season knee injury to Andy Moniz-Wakefield.
The Western Bulldogs have also secured Will Lewis following his time spent at the club during the summer.
James Harmes' retirement, with a season remaining on his contract, opened a list spot at the Whitten Oval, with Lewis graduating from the club's VFL program.
He has spent the past two seasons with Footscray in the state league as a key forward, slotting 43 goals in 24 outings.
Lewis featured in the club's premiership last year, kicking two goals in the victory. A week earlier, he kicked five goals against Box Hill.
The Bulldogs also had former Blue Will White train with the club in recent weeks.
"I'm obviously over the moon - I haven't wiped the smile off my face since I found out," Lewis said.
"I've been pinching myself…I can't actually believe what's happened in the last little bit.
"I've been working as an engineer the last five years, and then playing here (with Footscray). To then get the opportunity to train over the last couple of weeks here and get the list spot now…it's been a long journey to get here, but one that I've thoroughly enjoyed."
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