Fremantle defender Hayden Young is backing Jye Amiss to overcome the goal-kicking chips, saying the emerging key forward has the right technique to flourish in front of goal.
Amiss was known for his accuracy even before entering the AFL system, and his 41.17 last year reinforced that reputation.
But the wheels have fallen off dramatically this year, in the form of games from 14.15 to 10.
In last week's draw against Collingwood, Amiss kicked 0.1 and kicked another full-back from just four disposals.
The 20-year-old will get a chance to bounce back in unfamiliar territory this Sunday when he lines up against Melbourne at Traeger Park in Alice Springs. And Young is confident Amiss will soon get his mojo back.
“He is a great scorer; he hasn't lost his ability,” Young said. “He just has the chips right now, and that happens. We just have to keep supporting him and surrounding him. I'm sure it will turn around soon.
“It's probably just a mental thing. He'll have people around him to support him in that.”
Jye Amiss kicks on goal.Credit: AFL photos
The Dockers' A-grade midfielders are not outstanding goalscorers, with Caleb Serong (zero goals), Andrew Brayshaw (three), Nat Fyfe (two) and Hayden Young (four) combining for just nine this season.
Young, who only moved from defense to midfield at the end of last season, looms as the midfielder most likely to develop into an attacking weapon, given his devastating left boot.
His tally for 2024 would have been even higher if not for the 0.3 he kicked against St Kilda a fortnight ago. Young brushed it aside to kick a crucial final goal under pressure against Collingwood last week.
“It's something I've worked on quite a bit,” Young said of hitting the marker more regularly.
“I had a few chances earlier in the year and I felt a bit rushed and panicked at the time. So I've worked really hard to stay very calm in front of goal and treat each kick on its merits.”
AAP
