Fremantle Football Club has made notable adjustments to its player roster ahead of the 2024 AFL Draft, making difficult decisions to reshape the team’s lineup. Among these changes, forward Tom Emmett has been released from the team after two seasons, while young ruckman Max Knobel faces delisting but has been promised a potential re-drafting as a rookie. Additionally, tall forward Odin Jones has secured another year on the rookie list after a season of development with Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
Tom Emmett, who joined the Dockers as the 41st pick in the 2022 AFL Draft, showcased his talents over 15 games, scoring 11 goals. Emmett made his debut in round 23 of the 2023 season and contributed to Peel Thunder’s success in the WAFL, even playing in their 2024 premiership side. Fremantle’s football boss, Joe Brierty, expressed gratitude for Emmett’s efforts both on and off the field, acknowledging the difficulty of farewelling a player with such potential. Brierty noted, “It is always a tough time of year confirming the final spots on our list and farewelling quality people like Tom. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best for the future.”
Max Knobel, a towering 206cm young ruck, is another player impacted by the Dockers’ limited list spots. Drafted as pick No. 42 in 2022, Knobel has shown promise, developing his ruck skills while splitting his time between Peel Thunder’s WAFL senior and reserves teams. Although he faces delisting, Fremantle has committed to keeping him in contention by planning to re-draft him as a rookie, provided he isn’t picked up by another club. Brierty commented on Knobel’s progress, stating, “Max has taken significant steps forward this year, and we believe he’ll continue to improve into 2025.”
Odin Jones, a tall forward selected as pick No. 4 in the 2023 rookie draft, will also remain on Fremantle’s rookie list. Though he hasn’t yet made his AFL debut due to an interrupted pre-season, Jones has been refining his skills in the WAFL with Peel Thunder, demonstrating his readiness for future opportunities with the Dockers.
These recent changes signal Fremantle’s commitment to building a balanced and effective team roster ahead of the upcoming AFL season. With a mix of veteran adjustments and new draft picks, Fremantle looks to solidify its roster to strengthen their performance in 2024. The club’s focus on retaining potential through re-drafts and strategic player development suggests an exciting year ahead for fans and players alike.