Coaches Unanimously Vote Amiss as Derby's Best Despite Medal Snub
Fremantle forward Jye Amiss should have clinched the Glendinning-Allan Medal during Sunday's western derby, according to both coaches, with Justin Longmuir and Andrew McQualter voting him as the best on ground in the AFL Coaches' Association award. Despite this unanimous endorsement, Amiss finished runner-up for the medal behind teammate Jordan Clark, highlighting a rare divergence in voting outcomes.
Amiss's Stellar Performance Overshadowed by Medal Result
Amiss delivered a standout performance, kicking 5.4 and setting a club record with nine marks inside 50 during Fremantle's commanding 56-point victory over West Coast. His efforts were pivotal in the Dockers' dominant display, yet the Glendinning-Allan Medal, decided by a panel of Shaun McManus, Xavier Ellis, and Mitchell Woodcock, went to Clark instead.
This marks the first instance since 2014 where both coaches unanimously voted a player as best on ground without that player winning the medal. In that year, Ross Lyon and Adam Simpson selected Aaron Sandilands as the top performer in round seven, but Lachie Neale secured the medal after amassing 32 disposals and a goal, also earning three Brownlow Medal votes.
Coaches' Votes and Amiss's Rising Form
In the coaches' assessment, Amiss received the maximum 10 votes, with Clark placed second with 8 votes. The full voting breakdown included:
- 10 votes: Jye Amiss (FRE)
- 8 votes: Jordan Clark (FRE)
- 5 votes: Murphy Reid (FRE)
- 3 votes: Reuben Ginbey (WCE)
- 2 votes: Caleb Serong (FRE)
- 1 vote each: Heath Chapman (FRE) and Luke Ryan (FRE)
Amiss has been in exceptional form over the past three weeks, kicking four goals in a win over Adelaide, scoring a crucial set-shot goal against Collingwood in challenging weather during Gather Round, and adding five goals against the Eagles. He has now surpassed Josh Treacy as Fremantle's leading goal kicker this season with 14 majors, placing him equal seventh in the race for the Coleman Medal.
Looking Ahead for Fremantle
The Dockers are banking on Amiss to maintain his strong performance as they aim to build on their impressive 5-1 start to the season. Fremantle's next challenge is a Saturday night clash against Carlton at Optus Stadium, where they will seek to continue their winning momentum and solidify their position in the AFL standings.
