Rory Lobb: Former Docker hears jeers from Western Bulldogs fans after poor showing in loss to Brisbane

Rory Lobb will be given another chance to fire when he faces his former club Fremantle next week despite copping jeers from Western Bulldogs fans after his latest underwhelming performance on Friday night. Lobb received Bronx cheers from sections of disgruntled Dogs supporters at Marvel Stadium after being subbed off in his side’s 43-point hammering at the hands of Brisbane. The forward-ruckman’s scoreless five-disposal outing continued a difficult second season at his new club after demanding a trade away from the Dockers, with Lobb totalling just two majors in five AFL outings this year. It comes amid swirling questions around the 31-year-old’s future, with reports he could be eyeing a move to a fourth club at season’s end after struggling to lock down a regular senior role this year. But with Aaron Naughton (knee) and Sam Darcy (suspension) both remaining sidelined for next week’s home clash against Freo, Lobb is set to be given another chance by Dogs coach Luke Beveridge to step up as Tim English’s ruck back-up and as a forward threat. “It’s too much of a challenge for one person (to ruck solo) and we come up against (Luke) Jackson and (Sean) Darcy this week… so it’s not going to get any easier,” Beveridge said after the loss to the Lions. “We’re going to need a bonafide second ruck, and Rory is that man who will play that role. So absolutely (we will back him in).” Lobb’s latest poor showing and trade speculation drew the ire of respected broadcaster Gerard Whateley, who took aim at the on-field and off-field attitude of the veteran and his management team. “The Rory Lobb conversation really stems from the conduct of his management, who are complaining to anyone that will listen and plenty who don’t want to listen, coincidentally,” Whateley said on SEN. “(They say) he was sold a dream and the Dogs have reneged on the dream, ignoring that Rory Lobb has played rubbish for them and he hasn’t been good enough to hold his place in this team. “And when this moment arrived, when they desperately needed him and his management are saying ‘it doesn’t matter what happens here, we’re out of here at the end of the year’. “Rory, fight for your job, mate. Compete. “They desperately needed him (on Friday night) as they have needed him when he plays and he hasn’t delivered for them. It’s on him, not Luke Beveridge.” Lobb will face the Dockers for the fourth time in what will just his 26th game in red, white and blue when the sides meet at Marvel Stadium next Saturday.