The Western Bulldogs have emerged as the latest Victorian club to be linked to Fremantle tall Rory Lobb.
So far this year Lobb has gained reported interest from St Kilda as he potentially considers joining a third AFL club after almost landing a return to GWS last off-season.
A move back to New South Wales fell through, with Lobb remaining at the Dockers for the 2022 season and potentially further as his current contract doesn't expire until the end of next year.
Having nearly departed Fremantle once, speculation has continued to circle the Bassendean product, who could request another move away from Cockburn at the cessation of this season.
The Bulldogs may be one club that opens their arms to Lobb, with the Whitten Oval side joining the Saints as rumoured suitors for the 207cm-tall ruck-forward.
The Bulldogs recently secured the retention of highly-rated ruckman Tim English, but are continuing their search to find the right balance and rotations in their engine room.
With veteran Stefan Martin nearing the end of his AFL career, and fringe ruckman Jordon Sweet having combined with English on just two occasions in four years, the Dogs may look to Lobb as the perfect fit.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
Capable of starting as a forward threat and moving into the middle, Lobb could aid Luke Beveridge's rotations.
Speaking onย Triple M,ย reporter Tom Browne has revealed that Lobb's manager Colin Young has begun speaking with several clubs, with Lobb and the Dogs linked.
"Coling Young, he manages Rory Lobb who effectively wanted to get out of Fremantle or was at least interested in coming to the eastern states last year," Browne said.
"Lobb has been linked to all sorts of clubs, but I can now link him to string interest from the Bulldogs
They've got English in the ruck there, Martin not playing, they've tried with Sweet, but I think it's certainly the Bulldogs' view and the view from recruiters that If they can get Lobb as a ruckman or backup ruckman... they'd have a pretty good goal-to-goal line
"Maybe they need an additional defender, but if they can get an additional ruckman with all their midfielders they'd be a serious, serious threat next season.
"I think the Bulldogs [are] certainly interested in Rory Lobb. Colin Young was in town this week speaking to a whole host of clubs, but I think you can mark down interest from the Bulldogs in Rory Lobb."
Lobb is currently on a reported sum in the vicinity of $700,000 per season, a fee that factored into the failed move to GWS last year.
Should the Dockers be open to parting ways with the 29-year-old, they may consider paying a portion of Lobb's salary.
Lobb will be in line to play his 14th game of the season on Sunday afternoon when the Dockers welcome Port Adelaide to Optus Stadium, with the match to commence at 5:20pm (AEST).
