Rory Lobb fronted Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge after a report he wanted out of the club

After a report that Rory Lobb wanted to end his Western Bulldogs deal early went to air he had to confront his coach about it.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge holds a press conference. Picture: David Crosling

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Rory Lobb will most likely play against Collingwood on Friday night as he revealed the “embarrassed” big man apologised for rumours of him wanting out of the club being aired publicly this week.

A report on Sunday night suggested that 31-year-old Lobb has “already made up his mind” and would request a trade to a fourth AFL club next season despite having two years left on his contract the Bulldogs.

Lobb has played just three games this season but is set for a recall against the Magpies after Aaron Naughton went down with a knee injury in last week’s loss to the Swans.

On Wednesday Beveridge said he wasn’t even aware of the report when Lobb made an appearance in his office this week in a meeting during which the coach told the player he was still “one of our people” and that any speculation about his future wouldn’t impact that.

“He came in and saw me and I wasn’t even aware of (the report). He’s looking at me as if he’s walked in to the principal’s office,” Beveridge said.

“He was quite apologetic and even embarrassed by it. I just reassured him that if that’s what’s transpiring, whether it’s rumour or innuendo or it’s actually factual,it doesn’t matter to me, he’s one of our people, one of our players and we’ll take care of him and he’ll continue to play AFL footy when his form is right and there’s a spot there.

Straight target practice 🎯
Rory Lobb locking in 4 GOALS today! pic.twitter.com/ArawaByVEg

— Footscray Bulldogs (@FootscrayVFL) March 24, 2024

“He said it didn’t reflect his train of thought, he’s absolutely committed here and anything that happens post-season, happens post-season. He was just trying to reassure me that anything like that which was a bit distasteful or unsavoury won’t get in the way of his application.”

Beveridge said Lobb has been “playing well” at VFL level and could come in to help address the forward line shortcomings with both Naughton and Cody Weightman sidelined by injury for the medium term.

Bailey Smith at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: David Crosling

Beveridge also defended the club’s stance in allowing injured midfielder Bailey Smith, who is recovering from an ACL and won’t play this year, heading Europe for three weeks as part of his recovery.

“We took that approach with Bailey at the start of his rehab, after he has his operation ...to get him through the initial stages of his journey,” Beveridge said.

“This will be another look which is quite critical for him as he scales up to prepare to play again which is most likely next year. I don;t think he;s going to any longer than three weeks, I think it will be good for him. “

The Bulldogs will take on a Collingwood outfit ravaged by injury at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Originally published as Rory Lobb fronted Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge after a report he wanted out of the club