The Cats have signed East Warrnambool captain Dylan Cross for the 2019 season.

Cross, who was runner-up in the Bombers’ best and fairest for the past two seasons, can play both key forward and onball.

The 23-year-old said he was looking forward to pulling on the blue and white hoops.

"I work at Warrnambool Cheese and Butter so there is a connection there with people I work with and the club," Cross said.

"Allansford has been in touch the last few years and I thought now would be a good time to make the move.

"I was only going to East for a year originally but I stayed there two years and really enjoyed it.

"I am really excited about Allansford and the direction they are heading.

"Finals is certainly the aim, they started well this year but when injuries came they just lacked that depth."

Cross began his career at Hampden league club Warrnambool, where he was a prolific forward, winning under 16 and 18 league goal-kicking awards. 

He crossed to rival Hampden club North Warrnambool Eagles where he played senior football and was a key member of the 2016 reserves premiership team. 

Cross' signing comes after the Cats confirmed dual  J.A Esam Medallist Nick Johnstone would be returning to the club in 2019. 

Onballer Kye Bunworth is also making a return. 

Allansford football operations manager Nathan Adams said Cross was a welcome addition.

“It’s fantastic to have him on board, he gives us another quality onballer to throw in the mix,” Adams said.

“He can also go forward so he shapes as an important player.”

Adams said the signatures of Cross, Johnstone and Bunworth were a great start to the recruiting season.

He praised coach Ben Price for the progress the club made in 2018.

In his first year at the helm, Price lifted the Cats from 10^th to seventh on the ladder.

“He has delivered above our expectations,” Adams said.

“Ben has helped created a really positive vibe around the club.

“Hopefully we can build on that next year and push towards playing finals.”