Fremantle's Rory Lobb has become the subject of heavy trade speculation in the past months, with new reports indicating that the forward is eager to find a new home in 2023.
Currently in his fourth season at Fremantle, in which he has played 14 games, Lobb is seemingly in career best form, but reports from 7 News' Tom Browne have revealed that the former Giant is likely to request a trade to Victoria at season's end.
Previously linked to several Victorian clubs, the Western Bulldogs have now emerged as a suitor for the 29-year-old's signature. Speaking to AFL Nation prior to the Bulldogs' loss to Sydney on Friday night, head of footy Chris Grant confirmed the club's interest in the in demand tall.
“The hypothetical is just that, as much as someone like a Rory Lobb would be really helpful for us, that’s not the case just yet, so we’ll see what eventuates (with our forward mix),” Grant said on AFL Nation.
“We sort of reached out but we haven’t got anywhere (in terms of) having a really good dialogue.
“If Rory gets to a point in time where he expresses a desire to come Victoria way or near us, then we’d be very open to that discussion.
“And quite fair enough really, the season he’s playing with the Dockers, who are going quite well, he probably doesn’t even want to think about that just not.
“But if that does become available, he’s the type of player ourselves and a few clubs are keen to talk to I’m sure.”
St Kilda have also been linked to Lobb, despite the 29-year-old still being contracted to the Dockers until the end of 2023.
Throughout this season, Lobb has been averaging 11.6 disposals and 1.9 goals per game. After 133 matches so far in his career, 59 of those with Fremantle, his future at the club remains uncertain as a crucial match against St Kilda on Saturday night looms.