Fremantle Dockers' Tall Forwards Prioritize Team Performance Over Personal Glory
Fremantle forward Jye Amiss has disclosed that the club's formidable trio of tall forwards gauge their success based on collective output rather than individual goal tallies. This insight comes after Amiss returned to form with a standout performance, kicking an equal career-high four goals in the Dockers' thrilling two-point victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Amiss Bounces Back with Impressive Display
The 22-year-old's performance marked his best since last season's round-three derby, following promising signs in the previous match where he kicked 2.3 against Richmond. Amiss, who faced early-season criticism, emphasized that he remained confident in his ability to rebound, attributing his success to consistent effort and improved patterns of play.
"I'm still building. I love playing with JT and Vossy down there, working together," Amiss told The West Australian. "We know some weeks someone's going to kick more goals than the other and we're happy with that."
Collective Review and Forward Line Dynamics
Amiss highlighted that the trio, which includes Coleman Medal contender Josh Treacy and cult hero Pat Voss, reviews their performances as a unit each Monday. They focus on aspects such as creating space and leading lanes for each other, reinforcing their team-oriented approach. Together, they have contributed 23 of Fremantle's 55 goals this season, with each player taking turns to shine.
"When we review it on Monday we review it as a three as well," Amiss explained. "We review stuff about one person opening up a leading lane for another. We will keep reviewing it like that because we feel like we can be a threat this year."
Coach's Support and Forward Line Evolution
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir expressed pride in the tall forwards' efforts, noting that Amiss was not under pressure to retain his spot. "Jye gets his feedback from internal, he gets his feedback from those who watch his game – his coach, me, people around the footy club. So, he didn't feel under any pressure," Longmuir said. "We knew it would turn; we knew his opportunities would come. His last two weeks have been pretty good."
The Dockers' forward line has undergone significant changes since round one, with Shai Bolton shifting to a more midfield role and rookie Isaiah Dudley stepping up to boot eight goals in four matches. Additionally, midfielders like Caleb Serong, Bolton, and Andrew Brayshaw have increased their goal contributions, adding depth to the attack.
Areas for Improvement and Defensive Heroics
Despite their dominance, the tall forwards have struggled with accuracy at times. Voss has recorded 4.11 this season, while Amiss (7.5) and Treacy (12.7) have also been inconsistent. This nearly cost them against Adelaide, as missed set shots in the third term allowed the Crows to mount a seven-goal run and nearly snatch victory.
"It's just a little bit of composure (needed) in those moments," Amiss admitted. "We back everyone in when having a shot at goal. It's just that time of the game hurt us a little bit more but we go back to our processes."
While the forward line and midfield have garnered attention, it was the backline that secured the win against Adelaide. Captain Alex Pearce's desperate smother to prevent a potential match-winning goal from James Peatling has been widely praised as a season-defining moment. Pearce also limited star forward Riley Thilthorpe to one goal and three marks in an outstanding defensive display.
"It's unbelievable. We talk about trademark and he's one of the players who talks about trademark through and through," Amiss said of Pearce. "In that moment – I am getting goosebumps now – for him to put his body on the line and do a goal saving thing like that, is trademark through and through."
Looking Ahead for Fremantle
The Dockers' unpredictable attack, with tall forwards playing higher roles and smalls operating deep, continues to pose a threat to opponents. Amiss emphasized the flexibility of the forward line, stating, "We feel like everyone in our forward line can play different positions. Me, JT and Vossy play higher sometimes, and we feel like that's dangerous, and the smalls can play deep as well."
As Fremantle builds on this victory, the focus remains on collective success and continuous improvement, with the tall forwards leading the charge in a team-first mentality that could define their season.
