Former AFL Forward Slams Jye Amiss, Pushes for Mason Cox in Fremantle Lineup
In a scathing critique following Fremantle Dockers' narrow defeat to Geelong, ex-Adelaide and Geelong key forward Josh Jenkins has publicly called for the club to bench young star Jye Amiss in favor of new recruit Mason Cox. This bold suggestion comes after Amiss managed only four disposals and a single goal during the Dockers' heartbreaking fade-out loss at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, raising serious questions about his form and productivity.
Jenkins' Harsh Assessment of Amiss's Declining Performance
Speaking on SEN radio, Jenkins did not hold back in his analysis, stating emphatically that Cox offers more to the team than Amiss at this stage. "One game into 2026 and I think Fremantle should go with Mason Cox instead of Jye Amiss in that forward line," he declared. Jenkins highlighted Amiss's troubling statistical decline, noting that after kicking 41 goals in his first full season, his output dropped to 36 goals in the same number of games the following year, and further to 32 goals in 24 matches last season.
Key concerns raised by Jenkins include:
- Amiss averages just seven touches per game, which Jenkins deems insufficient for a key forward.
- In 2025, he was held goalless eight times and had seven matches with six disposals or fewer.
- His performance against Geelong saw him with only four disposals, relying on a pass from Josh Treacy for his sole goal.
Jenkins contrasted this with the progress of peers like Riley Thilthorpe, Sam Darcy, and Logan Morris, as well as Treacy's own improvements, suggesting Amiss is not keeping pace in a team poised to win now.
Mason Cox's Rising Profile and Pre-Season Momentum
The call to action comes amid growing buzz around Mason Cox, who impressed during the pre-season and traveled as an emergency for the Geelong match. Despite Sean Darcy being preferred in the ruck and coach Justin Longmuir sticking with the established forward trio of Amiss, Treacy, and Patrick Voss, Jenkins believes Cox's presence could be a game-changer. "I watched him prowl the sidelines," Jenkins said, emphasizing his belief that Cox currently provides more value on the field.
This debate underscores the pressure on Fremantle to optimize their lineup as they aim for success in the 2026 AFL season. While Amiss, at 21-23 years old, is still considered a promising talent with potential for a strong career, Jenkins argues that his recent performances leave little room for error, especially in a competitive environment. The Dockers' management now faces a critical decision: stick with their young forward or heed the advice of veterans like Jenkins to shake things up with Cox.
