Emmett was born in Adelaide, South Australia. Just before Emmett's 17th birthday in November 2018 he was diagnosed with a world-first subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.[1] Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that causes white blood cells to form abnormally and cause tumours around the body of the unwell.[2]
Emmett was taken with pick no.41 in the 2022 AFL draft by the Fremantle Football Club.[4] Emmett spent the majority of his first season playing for Fremantle’s reserve side, Peel Thunder, in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). In 2023 Emmett played 17 games for Peel, including the Grand Final loss to East Fremantle, and kicking 15 goals in a solid season.[5] Ahead of Fremantle’s Round 23 clash against Port Adelaide Emmett was called up for his AFL debut. This was due to teammate Michael Walters’ injury which caused him to not be able to play.[6] On debut Emmett performed well kicking 2 goals and having 13 disposals in a 16-point defeat.[7] After this solid performance Emmett kept his spot in the team for Fremantle’s final game of the year against Hawthorn. Emmett played even better in this game having 17 disposals and kicking 2 goals in a comfortable 37 point win which marked his first career win at the AFL level.[8]
2024 season
After the shock departure of former teammate, Lachie Schultz, to Collingwood during the 2023 trade period Emmett became the replacement starting small forward for Fremantle.[9] Emmett completed a fully fit pre-season and therefore was selected for the unofficial match simulation game against West Coast at Mineral Resources Park. Emmett kicked a goal in Fremantle's 52 point win.[10] Emmett unfortunately was unable to play in Fremantle's only official pre-season game against Port Adelaide due to illness.[11]Fremantle ended up losing the game by 39 points on the road.[12] Emmett returned to the starting 22 for a Round 1 clash with 2023 grand finalists, Brisbane Lions. Emmett didn't play too well only collecting the 5 touches however Fremantle ended up with a 23 point win.[13] Emmett stayed in the side for the team's first away match of the 2024 season where they played North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Emmett collected 9 disposals in a massive comeback win in Melbourne.[14] Emmett followed up in Round 3 where they played Adelaide at home. Emmett played well but was tactically substituted out of the game for teammate, Jaeger O'Meara. Fremantle ended up winning this low scoring game by 35 points.[15] Tom was one of Fremantle's better players against Carlton at Adelaide Oval, which was played in Adelaide due to the AFL's annual Gather Round. He finished the game having kicked two goals.[16] Emmett played again the following in their 3 point loss to Port Adelaide. Emmett kicked a goal but only had 6 disposals for the match.[17] Emmett played in his first Western Derby in round 6 of the season.[18] Emmett kicked a goal and had 11 disposals but Fremantle had an upset loss to their home town rivals, West Coast, by 37 points.[19] In their round 7 annual Len Hall Tribute match they played the Western Bulldogs and came out victors by 24 points. Emmett played well have 7 disposals and 4 tackles.[20]
Emmett was delisted by Fremantle at the end of the 2024 season.[21]
