‘A lot of honest conversations’: Reborn Bulldog’s call on future plans after reviving his career

Amid trade speculation and a resurgent campaign, reborn swingman Rory Lobb says he isn’t focused on his playing future at the Western Bulldogs.

Lobb is contracted until 2026, but reports in May indicated the forward-turned-defender would request a trade to a fourth AFL club this off-season, following moves to Fremantle (in 2018) and then to the Bulldogs (2022).

Ahead of the Dogs’ elimination final against Hawthorn on Friday night, Lobb stopped short of pledging his long-term commitment to The Kennel.

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“I’m not really looking to the future,” Lobb told Fox Footy’s AFL Tonight. “I want to focus on the game this week and, obviously, a deep finals campaign.

“I’ve said previously that I’m really happy with the way my football’s going, and I love the environment here.”

The third-year Bulldog played 15 home-and-away games — and 12-straight since Round 12 — averaging a career-high 13.6 disposals, 5.3 marks, and 2.1 intercept marks.

Despite Lobb’s noncommittal response, his teammate Bailey Dale expects the 207-centimetre utility to be donning Dogs colours next season.

“I think so, yeah,” said Dale to foxfooty.com.au when quizzed on whether he thought Lobb would stick around.

“He seems pretty happy when I’ve spoken to him … I feel as though he’s found his spot down back now, he’s very comfortable, and he’s only going to get better with another pre-season (in defence).

“I assume he’s going to be here in 2025.”

While acknowledging Lobb’s difficulties, Dale didn’t understate his importance to the club’s premiership cause in September.

“Obviously, ‘Lobby’s had a bit of an up-and-down year, being in the twos to start the year and bouncing back, and then getting thrown down back — his resilience has been great,” Dale continued.

“The way he’s impacting games down back for us now has been enormous, and he’s a real cog in our defence at the moment — he’s been playing some really good footy, and I have no doubt he’s going to impact over this finals series.”

Reflecting on his fruitful mid-year switch to the defensive half, Lobb was appreciative of the “straightforward” nature of conversations he had with coach Luke Beveridge.

“(Beveridge has been) really good. We’ve had a lot of honest conversations — I like it when someone’s straightforward with me,” the 31-year-old told Fox Footy.

“I wasn’t playing the football that I wanted to play at the start of the year — he needed more from me — and then not being in the team, and then him saying ‘go back’ (into defence).

“I was really excited to go and play that position — yeah, he’s been really good for me … He’s always honest with me.”

Lobb, who referred to the middle portion of the year as a “tough time”, says he pays no mind to the chatter occurring outside the four walls at Whitten Oval.

“We know that I’m here to play football — I feel like I’m very professional where I come in and do my job,” he said.

“All that stuff goes on in the media, so (I) let it sit to the side, and as long as I’m turning up and getting the most out of myself, we’re on the same page.”

The Swan Districts product, who has irrefutably boosted his trade value given the versatility he has demonstrated, isn’t fussed about the role he is given — so long as he is suiting up for the seniors.

“I’ve always said that I don’t mind where I play,” Lobb said.

“Obviously, (I) played ruck when Tim (English) went out of the team, but I’m really enjoying my time down back.

“I feel like it’s probably my best position, to be honest.”

The 175-gamer has come a fair way since early May when Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph reported Lobb was leaning towards another departure.

“Rory Lobb, if there was a mid-season trade period, would be asking for a trade,” Ralph told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle earlier in the year.

While Lobb’s coy commentary suggests there may still be more to play out in the trade space, the burgeoning stopper is suddenly far more integral to his club than a few months ago.