AFL 2022: Fremantle big man Rory Lobb over shoulder issues in time for elimination final against Western Bulldogs

Two big ins for Fremantle have offset the one massive loss of captain Nat Fyfe for Saturday’s elimination final showdown with the Western Bulldogs.

Fremantle big man Rory Lobb was chief destroyer when the Dockers took down the Western Bulldogs a month ago.

And after battling a shoulder injury over the past three weeks, Lobb has been declared “100 per cent” for Saturday night‘s return showdown in an elimination final that will end the losing team’s season.

Lobb kicked four goals in the round 20 clash at Marvel Stadium but played mainly as a forward, having hurt his right shoulder against Sydney in round 18 that limited his ruck output.

He missed the following week, then played against the Bulldogs and West Coast before being forced out of the final round win over GWS after aggravating his shoulder.

But freshened up by three weeks off, including the pre-finals bye, Lobb is ready to shoulder some ruck duties in a boost for Fremantle who are playing finals for the first time since 2015.

“Lobby’s going to play second ruck, so we just need to make sure we can get a good contest forward of centre … we lose a bit of that with Fyfey going out of the team,” Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said, referring to the loss of captain Nat Fyfe to a hamstring injury.

“Lobby’s been our preferred option (as back-up ruckman). He’s responded well to having a couple of weeks off. It’s freshened him up.

“He got a few niggles right, he‘s 100 per cent.”

Rory Lobb kicked four goals against the Western Bulldogs when the teams last met. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Dockers would have to go deep into the finals for Fyfe to play again.

He is set to have a role in the coaches’ box on game day and Longmuir said the skipper, who was at training on Thursday, was staying upbeat for his teammates.

“He’s done a really good job of putting on a brave face around the players and not letting his disappointment affect others, and that’s a sign of good leadership,” Longmuir said.

“I‘m sure deep down he’s disappointed he’s not playing and flat with the inconsistency he’s had throughout the year with his body.

“But he‘s been able to mask that, impart his experience and knowledge on others, and not impose his frustration on others.”

Griffin Logue was also cleared to return to further test the Bulldogs defence, but forward Matt Taberner, who has overcome a calf strain, is more likely to return via the WAFL this weekend.

“He hasn‘t had a great run with injury and he’s been injured within games this year, so that all comes into it as well,” Longmuir said.

Originally published as AFL 2022: Fremantle big man Rory Lobb over shoulder issues in time for elimination final against Western Bulldogs