By Justin Chadwick
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is putting his faith in Rory Lobb to reprise his dual forward-ruck role in Saturday night’s elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.
Lobb has barely rucked since hurting his right shoulder in the round 18 loss to Sydney.
Rory Lobb will reprise his dual forward-ruck role during the Dockers’ home final against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.Credit:AFL Photos
The 29-year-old missed the round 19 draw with Richmond with the injury, and he was forced to the sidelines yet again for the final-round win over GWS after aggravating the shoulder a week earlier.
Missing that Giants clash means Lobb has now enjoyed three weeks off, and the stint has done his shoulder the world of good.
Longmuir confirmed that Lobb will be able to return to his back-up ruck role against the Bulldogs, with Griffin Logue (adductor) also cleared to return in what is an important double boost to the side’s forward stocks.
“They’ve missed one game. They will fit seamlessly back into their roles,” Longmuir told reporters on Thursday.
“Lobby’s been our preferred option (as back-up ruckman). He’s responded well to having a couple of weeks off. It’s freshened him up.
“He got a few niggles right, he’s 100 per cent.”
Fremantle were dealt a huge blow this week when captain Nat Fyfe was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
The loss of Fyfe means the Dockers would desperately love to have a fit and firing Matt Taberner in the forward line.
Taberner has recovered from his calf strain, but his lack of match fitness and the fact he has been subbed out of games three times this season with injury means it’s likely he will return via the WAFL this weekend.
“He hasn’t had a great run with injury and he’s been injured within games this year, so that all comes into it as well,” Longmuir said about the selection dilemma.
Fyfe was out on the training track on Thursday doing light drills in what is a positive sign that his hamstring injury isn’t too serious.
No timeline has been set for his return, but it’s likely Fremantle will need to go deep into September for the two-time Brownlow medallist to play again this season.
“He’s done a really good job of putting on a brave face around the players and not letting his disappointment affect others, and that’s a sign of good leadership,” Longmuir said.
The Dogs were also dealt a huge setback when star midfielder Tom Liberatore was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
“He’s a gun and he’s a clearance beast,” Longmuir said.
“But I think they can cover him. They’ve got a lot of gun midfielders.
“I expect (Josh) Dunkley or Bont (Marcus Bontempelli) or (Adam) Treloar or (Bailey) Smith to take a bit more responsibility around stoppage.”
AAP
