Five Prospective Destinations for Western Bulldogs Forward Rory Lobb Amidst Potential Transition Dynamics

Western Bulldogs utility Rory Lobb appears to be seeking a move to a fourth AFL club due to limited opportunities in 2024, leaving him frustrated.

Despite starting as the third tall forward alongside Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan in Round 1 against Melbourne, Lobb has since been overtaken by youngster Sam Darcy. In the absence of Ugle-Hagan, Lobb played in Rounds 7 and 8 before being relegated to the VFL.

Lobb signed a four-year contract with the Bulldogs, set to expire at the end of the 2026 season. However, Channel 9’s Tom Morris has reported that the 31-year-old is likely to request a trade to a fourth AFL club, 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 stated on the Footy Furnace. “The Western Bulldogs know he has two years left on his contract and won’t trade him for less than they perceive his value to be.”

Even with Naughton sidelined for at least a month due to a medial cruciate ligament (MCL) injury, and Lobb potentially stepping in, Morris believes this situation won’t alter Lobb’s desire to move.

Key-position forwards are always in demand, and Lobb could be a valuable asset for a fourth AFL club. Here are five teams that could benefit from his services:

1. **Collingwood**: Amid an injury crisis at the AIA Centre, Collingwood would greatly benefit from acquiring Lobb. With Dan McStay likely out for the season due to an ACL tear, and recent injuries to Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek, the need is pressing. Depth player Nathan Kreuger has just returned from injury, while young ruck Aiden Begg is out for the year. The Pies’ interest in Lobb has been strong, with SEN’s Michelangelo Rucci stating Collingwood is leading the race for him.

“Collingwood is going to make an approach to his management,” Rucci mentioned, emphasizing their lack of tall options in the forward line.