Rory Lobb optimistic for 2025 as he gets used to 'new job' at Western Bulldogs

Rory Lobb discusses the Bulldogs’ off-season outings and looks ahead to his first pre-season as a defender

VETERAN Rory Lobb says the Western Bulldogs’ emerging talents will fill the midfield hole left by the departures of stars Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel.

Smith sought a fresh start at Geelong after missing the 2024 season following a serious knee injury while opener Macrae joined St Kilda and Daniel is now at North Melbourne after both had limited opportunities This year.

But Lobb believes the Bulldogs have the club depth to make the finals next season following their week one elimination at the hands of Hawthorn.

“Yes, of course, it always opens up opportunities for younger boys, like Riley Garcia and Harvey Gallagher have played quite a few matches this year,” Lobb told AAP after playing in the Open d ‘Australia.

“And then Ryley Sanders, who is a sophomore, is a ready-made football player.

“We still have experience in midfield with (Adam) Treloar, Bont (Marcus Bontempelli) and Ed Richards and we feel comfortable with those guys.”

Lobb was also rumored to be looking to leave the Bulldogs this year, but said that was speculation that stemmed from his time in the VFL.

He said he and coach Luke Beveridge were “on the same page”.

“There will always be speculation when I was playing VFL… but internally I was having an honest conversation with Bevo (Beveridge),” he said.

“We were on the same page and towards the end of the year it obviously didn’t matter because I was playing every week.”

Lobb will begin his 12th AFL pre-season next week, but said he was approaching it with new enthusiasm following his mid-season transition to defender.

He said a full pre-season among the backs would deepen his knowledge of the role after learning on the job.

“It’s really exciting, I’m basically learning a new skill,” the 31-year-old said.

“I’m going to practice as a guard and work on my craft a little more, and not so much on the fly so I can actually learn the position.

“It’s quite refreshing because I’ve played as a striker my whole career.

“Liam Jones actually moved from a striker early in his career so he’s been really good for me and I’m excited to work alongside him and Taylor Duryea and get to work.

“Hopefully I can play the football I was playing at the end of the year and we can qualify for the final.”