Fremantle are expecting contracted forward Rory Lobb to be in purple in 2023, according to Head of Player Personnel David Walls.
A Lobb trade to the Western Bulldogs has been rumoured heading into Monday’s start of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.
Lobb played 21 games in 2022, kicking 36 goals - highlighted by his five against Port Adelaide and four against the Bulldogs.
Walls highlighted Lobb’s rare ability as a tall forward who can support Sean Darcy in the ruck.
“We’ve got every intention of keeping Rory. Our position hasn’t changed,” 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.”
Walls played down any concerns about keeping Lobb for 2023 despite his trade request.
“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.”
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