Fremantle forward Rory Lobb is reportedly expected to request a trade to a Victorian team at the conclusion of this season, despite being contracted at Cockburn through 2023.
The former Giant, who was picked 29th overall at the 2013 National Draft, has played 135 AFL games since debuting during the 2014 season.
Lobb has reached unprecedented heights this season, averaging a career-high 1.9 goals per game and having already achieved his highest goal tally in a season (30) in just 16 matches, topping his next best season total (29) from 24 games in 2016.
With numerous Victorian clubs said to be preparing to make a play for Lobb this off-season, we examine five potential landing spots for the 29-year-old.
3. Melbourne
The Demons are surely preparing for an end-of-year scenario where emerging ruck-forward Luke Jackson winds up a Fremantle player by the conclusion of the 2022 trade period.
However, as Jackson is a non-free agent at the end of this season, a trade would have to be struck between Melbourne and Fremantle if Jackson is to end up in WA.
Enter a perfect-storm, win-win trade where, correspondingly, Lobb is sent the Demons' way as part of a Jackson compensation package.
As a result, Melbourne's forward stocks are vastly improved and Max Gawn isn't stranded as the sole ruckman at the Dees if Jackson departs.
