Crossword Genius

A spacecraft accommodating old great figure (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alexander

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'great figure' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'a spacecraft accommodating old' is the wordplay.
'spacecraft' becomes 'lander' (eg a moon lander).
'accommodating' indicates putting letters inside.
'old' becomes 'ex' (prefix meaning former or onetime).
'lander' going around 'ex' is 'lexander'.
'a'+'lexander'='ALEXANDER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alexander that I've seen before include "Conquering Macedonian" , "Field marshal" , "band-leader" , "Boy" , "The Great Man" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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