Western Bulldogs utility Rory Lobb appears to be on the market for a fourth AFL club, as limited opportunity in 2024 has rendered him frustrated.
Despite holding the third-tall mantle in the forward line in Round 1 against Melbourne alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Lobb has since fallen behind youngster Sam Darcy.
However, in the absence of Ugle-Hagan, the former Giant featured in Rounds 7 and 8 before being sent back to the VFL.
When joining the Dogs, Lobb signed a four-year deal that will end at the cessation of the 2026 season.
SEE ALSO:ย TRADE NEWS & RUMOURS HUB
Despite being locked in at the Kennel, Channel 9's Tom Morris reported that the 31-year-old is all but set to request a trade, "preferably in Victoria".
"It's only May, but (Lobb) will request a trade at the end of the season to a fourth AFL club, preferably in Victoria," Morris said on theย Footy Furnace.
"Theย Western Bulldogsย know that he has two years remaining on his contract. They also know they won't trade him for anything less than they perceive him to be worth."
And whilst Naughton will be sidelined for at least a month with a medial cruciate ligament (MCL) injury and likely to be replaced by Lobb, Morris believes that doesn't change anything.
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Key-position forwards are always presenting as in-demand commodities, but could Lobb be on the move to a fourth AFL club? Here are five sides that could use his services.
1. Collingwood
Amid the injury crisis at the AIA Centre, if the Pies could snap up Lobb right now, they would.
Dan McStay will be lucky to feature in 2024 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on the eve of the season while Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek have sustained injuries recently.
MORE: Could Collingwood select a familiar face at the Mid-Season Draft?
Depth player Nathan Kreuger has only just returned from the sidelines while young ruck Aiden Begg will sit out the remainder of the year.
Jeremy Howe has had troubles with his body while Reef McInnes has been in and out of the side.
And in response to that, the Pies link to the Bulldog has been reportedly strong.
SEN's Michelangelo Rucci said that Collingwood is leading the race for Lobb, given their lack of tall options in the front half.
Rucci said three weeks ago: "If I was to fast-forward to the end of this year, Rory Lobb would be at Collingwood.
"I'm hearing Rory Lobb is going to Collingwoodโฆ or rather Collingwood is going to make an approach to his management."
