AFTER 209 games with the Western Bulldogs, midfielder Daniel Cross will play his last game with the club on Sunday against Melbourne.

After being selected at pick 56 in the 2000 National Draft, the 30-year-old enjoyed a superb career as a tough and creative on baller, winning the Charles Sutton Medal in 2008.

Cross was named the club's most courageous player a record three times.

Cross said he understood the Bulldogs' need to continue along the development path but will be seeking to continue his career elsewhere next season.

“I love this club, its supporters and all the players I’ve played with, and totally understand its position with regards to its direction,” Cross said.

“While I leave with a heavy heart, I sincerely thank the club and its staff for giving me an opportunity to realise my dream of playing AFL football.”

“I will always look back at my 13 years as a Bulldog fondly, and look forward to finishing on a high note with my teammates this Sunday."

Bulldogs chief executive Simon Garlick said Cross made an outstanding contribution over the past 13 years.

“Daniel has added an enormous amount to this football club since he arrived in 2000, and leaves a legacy of an ultra-professional, team-oriented player who consistently displayed great courage for his team,” Garlick said.

“There is no question that this has been a difficult call to make given the calibre of person and footballer that we all know Daniel to be”.