The Demons have agreed to terms with the 210-game veteran who the Bulldogs farewelled at the end of the season.
He will take a place on the senior list and will add depth and experience to the Demons' midfield.
The club also considers Cross versatile enough to spend time in a forward role and believes he will support its young group of midfielders in their respective roles.
Cross won the Bulldogs best and fairest in 2008 and finished in the top three of the club best fairest five times between 2005 and 2010.
He was renowned as one of the era's best ball winners and used handball to great effect to bring teammates into the game.
Renowned as a hard trainer and a dedicated professional, he played in 11 finals at the Bulldogs including three preliminary finals.
He played 13 senior games in 2013 and was in good form at the end of the season. In the final game of the season against Melbourne, Cross picked up 27 disposals and kicked a goal.
He had been told earlier that it would be his last game with the club.
His coach at the Bulldogs Brendan McCartney said post-game it was a tough decision to move on Cross.
"We hope he gets another opportunity," McCartney said.
Cross told 3AW last week he was excited at the opportunity being presented to him at Melbourne, but his signing at that point was still subject to a medical.
The Demons have bolstered its midfield during the trade and exchange period recruiting talented youngsters Dom Tyson from Greater Western Sydney and Viv Michie from Fremantle and experienced Adelaide onballer Bernie Vince.
