Fremantle are standing firm on their decision to deny Rory Lobb’s trade request to the Western Bulldogs, stating the ruck/forward is “crucial” to their plans moving forward.
Lobb still has one more year to run on the four-year deal he signed when he landed at the Dockers ahead of the 2019 season.
Fremantle had coughed up two first round draft picks in 2018 to secure Lobb’s services.
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With out-of-contract Griffin Logue also requesting a trade, the Dockers remain steadfast in their call to hold onto Lobb.
“We’ve got every intention of keeping Rory. Our position hasn’t changed,” Fremantle head of personnel David Walls told Trade Radio.
“He’s contracted and guys that are 207cm that kick two goals a game and go into the ruck are that rare.
“We’ve got a young tall forward line, he’s crucial to us. I don’t see a way in which we’re trading Rory.”
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir repeatedly told media throughout the 2022 season that Lobb was a required player and someone the club rated highly.
Walls said he was confident Lobb, who was spotted clearing out his locker after Fremantle’s season came to an end against Collingwood in the semi final, would slot back into the club.
“He’s a professional, he’ll be able to come back and work, we’ll support him and look to have a repeat of the season he’ll have this year,” Walls said.
“(He’s not frustrated) in the discussions I’ve had with him, no.
“Last year, there was a request made (but) there was really never an offer in the end for Rory and he came back and had his best year of footy ever.”
It’s the second straight season Lobb has requested a move away from Fremantle, but his bid in 2021 to get to GWS fell flat.
Lobb has already purchased a home in Melbourne, after his partner and her family relocated from WA.
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Bulldogs list manager Sam Power said he remained hopeful a deal could be done for Lobb, but understood Fremantle’s tough stance.
“We understand Rory is contracted. He indicated he’d like to come to us,” Power said.
“His partner moved over earlier in the year, he’d like to be over here also. We’ll have conversations but we understand their position given he’s a contracted player.
“He’s a required player there. We’ll continue to be respectful and have conversations where we can but understand where their stance is at the same time.”
Fremantle confirmed they have also spoken to Gold Coast about 190cm forward Josh Corbett, who could help support Lobb up forward given Matt Taberner’s recent run with injury.
“We’d like to get Josh in if we can,” Walls said.
“That’s something we’ll do today, we’ll catch up with (Suns list boss) Craig Cameron to see if we can get anything done there.”
The Dockers also remain in the hunt for Melbourne youngster Luke Jackson, after the 2021 Rising Star winner told the Demons he wants to go home to WA.
