AFL great Luke Hodge has sent a stern warning to Mason Cox after the Fremantle big man “flopped” for a free kick during Saturday’s loss to Melbourne.

Cox is enjoying a solid first season at the Dockers, playing 14 games to keep fellow big man Sean Darcy out of the side.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mason Cox warned over flopping at the MCG

While he has only managed four goals, he has been impressive around the ground with some strong marks and good contested work.

But during the loss to the Demons, Cox had a moment to forget when he played for a free kick during the last quarter.

The Dockers were leading by 10 points in the closing stages and Cox was one out at the top of the goalsquare with opponent Jake Lever when he launched himself forward after slight contact from the Demon.

The umpire called play on and the ball bounced away to Michael Frederick, who ended up kicking a point.

But had Cox held his ground and contested the mark against an opponent 16cm shorter, it might have been a different story.

Cox also made a shocking error earlier in the match when his kick across goal resulted in an easy turnover and goal for Melbourne.

Hodge has been impressed with Cox’s work around the ground, but gave him a “strong warning” over staging for free kicks.

“I love this part of his game. Go back and help out your defenders. Take an intercept mark,” Hodge said on The Agenda Setters.

“If there’s a Murphy Reid running around the back of you, maybe give him a handball.

“This kick. Everyone makes mistakes. I’m OK with that. You made a mistake. Move on.

“What I can’t handle is this next action, and we just saw it before with the play.

“If you’re on the MCG, you do not flop. Mason, if you flop again, you’ll never play AFL again in your career.

“Go back to the WAFL. MCG, big day, big game. Don’t flop.”

With Darcy performing well in the WAFL, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he has a big decision on the back-up ruck role.

“Sean’s putting pressure on and he’s playing really well,” Longmuir said.

“His last two weeks, he’s worked on the things we wanted him to work on.

“We’ll weigh up that form against Mason’s form.”

Darcy is contracted until the end of 2030 and Longmuir said there were no plans for the 28-year-old to leave the Dockers, despite losing his spot as the No.1 or No.2 ruckman.

“I see Sean playing a big part in us going forward,” Longmuir said.

Fremantle will be looking to bounce back when they host Adelaide in a blockbuster on Friday night.

The will make at least one change with captain Alex Pearce set to return after he was managed last week.

There is also doubt surrounding Murphy Reid, who is struggling with groin soreness.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has played down any serious injury concerns surrounding Reid, saying the gun midfielder has merely copped a hit to the groin rather than dealing with osteitis pubis.

Longmuir said although Reid may not feature against the Crows, it’s not an injury that will hinder him for long.

“We’re monitoring it,” Longmuir said.

“It’s not groin soreness. From what you’ve said, maybe you’re alluding to the fact he’s got OP (osteitis pubis) or something like that. But it’s not that.

“But yeah, he’s in a bit of doubt.”

Reid is yet to miss a game since making his AFL debut in round one last year, with the 2025 Rising Star winner’s hot form putting him on track for All-Australian selection.

— with AAP