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.
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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.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne poses as an obvious option given their indecision surrounding their key forwards and how they present.
Swingman Harrison Petty has struggled in the front half to make an impact while Jacob Van Rooyen is still finding his feet.
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Veteran Ben Brown is superfluous to requirements although remains a good depth option while Tom McDonald has found himself permanently in the backline.
With Max Gawn rucking solo, an acquisition like Lobb will provide an extra tall presence up forward as well as a chop out for the champion ruckman.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin historically has leaned toward a taller forward line and the intrigue in Petty's future (given Adelaide are likely to come after him again) could see the club turn their attention to the Bulldog tall.
