New Docker Mason Cox has lofty expectations for Fremantle in 2026, saying the club has the best list in the AFL.
It’s a big claim considering Freo finished sixth in 2025, and given some of the other juggernauts above them, including back-to-back premiers Brisbane.
Cox joined Fremantle via the supplemental selection period, and will provide veteran ruck depth for the club behind Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy.
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The 34-year-old effectively replaces Liam Reidy on their list, who joined Carlton in the trade period.
Mason Cox in a Fremantle polo. Fremantle
Speaking with the club’s website on his decision to move out West, Cox spoke glowingly of the position the club is at.
“It might be a bit bullish to say but I do think it’s the best list in the comp to be honest with you,” Cox said upon joining the Dockers.
“You look at exactly what they were able to do last year and the streak of wins that they put together – it’s pretty impressive.
“Hopefully I can add a bit of experience and everything else to continue that success.”
It’s not the most outlandish take. Many expected Fremantle to finish inside the top four in 2025, given the acquisition of Shai Bolton and the depth of young talent on the list.
North Melbourne premiership great David King said himself that Freo had the best list in the competition and should be contending in 2025.
They battled injuries to key players and struggled offensively in patches, but hit form late in the season to scrape into finals.
Fremantle boasts an elite midfield, with Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, Hayden Young and Jackson in the ruck as good as any foursome in the league.
Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss as rising young key forwards, coupled with the emergence of Patrick Voss, and talented forwards around them including Rising Star winner Murphy Reid.
They have all the tools you’d want down back, and added to their defensive stocks in the trade period with Melbourne rebounder Judd McVee.
Judd McVee, now a Docker. Fremantle Dockers
It remains a super young list, Cox aside, who is now the oldest player they have by about three years.
Geelong premiership great Cameron Mooney doesn’t feel the American ruckman was too far off with his claim.
“You know what? I’m not too far off him as well because I actually had them finishing top four and I was pretty disappointed they didn’t,” Mooney told SEN in November.
“I’ve got them right up there next year. On paper, yes (they’ll finish top four), but they’ve let me down the last couple of years.
“Not the best (list in the comp), but they’re right up there. They have got a very good list.
“But I don’t disagree with him that Fremantle have a very, very good list and I think they should be a hell of a lot better than they have been.
“I think next year they should be at least a prelim final. I think next year is Justin Longmuir’s big year, otherwise… No pressure JL (Justin Longmuir).”
Justin Longmuir, coach of Fremantle. Getty
Fremantle put coach Longmuir on a rolling deal, so that he wouldn’t face the spotlight of the rolling contract cycle, however he will still fall under immense pressure if Freo underperforms in 2026.
The Dockers will need a full, healthy season from Young, who barely featured in 2025, and captain Alex Pearce down back also remains key after an injury-impacted season.
On paper, their best side should be able to match it with anyone, and they have one of the strongest home field advantages in the league.
But after disappointing in 2024 and sneaking into the eight this season, it looms as a monster year for Freo and Longmuir.
It’s not often a player coming into a club puts such lofty expectations on a club immediately, but that is what Cox is done and it’s likely not too far from what they feel they’re capable of internally as well.
But there’s no doubt Brisbane, Geelong, Adelaide, Sydney with Charlie Curnow and now Gold Coast following the draft likely have as great a claim to the title of best list in the AFL.