Bulldogs star Rory Lobb opens up on overcoming bullying

Rory Lobb would pretend to be sick so he could stay home from school and avoid cruel bullies. Now, the footy star is speaking out to encourage others to open up.

As a boy, Rory Lobb would often pretend to be sick so he could stay home from school and avoid the bullies that tormented him.

“I had a lot of anxiety to go to school,” the AFL star recalls.

Lexi Mary, Rory Lobb and their dogs. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Mum was always wondering what was wrong with me, but it was actually nothing.

“I’d literally sit at home all day and eat.”

The Western Bulldogs tall, who grew up in Perth, left school at 14 after verbal and physical harassment left him feeling“very depressed”.

“It was just really hard on me,” he said.

Influencer Lexi Mary and footballer Rory Lobb walk their dogs in Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

Lobb worked as a painter, builder and machine operator, and was picked up by Greater Western Sydney in the 2013 draft.

Later, he joined Fremantle before signing on with the Dogs ahead of the 2023 season.

Now, he is encouraging others to speak up as part of News Corp’s Can We Talk? campaign, in partnership with Medibank.

Rory Lobb of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal with a “lobster” motion during the round seven AFL match between GWS Giants and Western Bulldogs. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Lobb urged people facing challenging times to share with loved ones, or a mental health professional.

“The more that you speak out about it and don’t internalise … the better you’ll be,” he said.

“In a way I’m subject to bullying these days on social media.

“Throughout my career I’ve found ways to combat that and speaking to people, having a really good relationship at home with my partner Lexi, and also having really good people around, I feel like has really helped me.

Bulldog Rory Lobb marks in front of Blake Acres of the Blues. Picture: Michael Klein

“Now, I don’t really suffer from anxiety anymore.”

He said his struggles as a youngster helped him build the resilience he carries now.

The 32-year-old, who has reinvented himself as a key defender in recent years,said he focused on being in the moment.

“I really enjoy going into work and hanging out with my teammates,” he said.

“The ‘Doggies’ (club) is just amazing for me … they’re very supportive with everything I do.”

Lobb has opened up to club psychologists and also has “really good relationships” with his coaches.

Known for his wild and ever-changing hairstyles, the cult figure said he brushed off negative comments on social media and focused on his inner circle.

“In the media I might be perceived as a little bit loud and out there, but I like my own time,” he said.

“I like to spend time with my family and friends.”

Bulldog Rory Lobb is urging others to speak up. Picture: Mark Stewart

Lobb is due to marry influencer fiancee Lexi Mary, who he said had been “so amazing” for him, in October.

Mary, who has more than 44,000 TikTok followers,also blocks out the noise from trolls online.

“I used to get a lot of negative comments, particularly when Rory was going through his trade saying that I was forcing him to move to a different club,” she said.

“That was a lot for me to take on.

“I feel like people just automatically think they know you and think they can comment on you and how you speak and your appearance.

“I just really try and focus on the people in my inner circle who do know me, and know within myself that I’m a kind person.

“I wouldn’t let someone get to me who can hide behind a fake burner account.”

Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.

Originally published as Bulldogs star Rory Lobb opens up on overcoming bullying