Western Bulldogs’ sidelined player, Rory Lobb, is allegedly set to seek a trade to another Victorian club once the season concludes. As per Tom Morris, chief football reporter for 9News Melbourne, Lobb intends to depart from Whitten Oval, regardless of his involvement in senior football for the remainder of 2024. Lobb, who joined the Western Bulldogs at the commencement of 2023 following stints with GWS and Fremantle, has experienced a decline in favor under coach Luke Beveridge. Beveridge sidelined Lobb after round one, only to reinstate him for rounds six and seven amidst criticism.
Ahead of their eight-point loss to Hawthorn in round eight, Lobb found himself axed once again and hasn’t seen any action on the field since then.
Speculations are rife about Lobb potentially joining Collingwood next year, with reports indicating his intention to seek a trade to another Victorian team, irrespective of his senior game time in 2024. According to Morris, Lobb has already set his sights on playing for his fourth AFL club come next season.
Several clubs, including St Kilda, Melbourne, North Melbourne, and Collingwood, have been linked to Lobb for the 2025 season.
However, severing ties with the Western Bulldogs might not be straightforward, as they are keen on retaining Lobb despite his limited senior opportunities this year. With two years remaining on his contract, the Bulldogs may be obliged to accommodate his trade request, although they have a history of holding players to their contracts and would seek a deal reflecting Lobb’s market value.
Throughout the 2024 season, Lobb has mainly been confined to VFL appearances, with Beveridge favoring other options in the forward line and the ruck. His frustration stems from the lack of regular selection, forming the basis of his trade request come October.
As the Bulldogs stand at 5-6 after 11 rounds, Lobb’s future remains uncertain amidst ongoing discussions about his potential move to a new club.
