Rory Lobb: defender.

It’s a move the 32-year-old admits he never saw coming, but after 165-odd games as a ruck-forward, the magnets were shuffled and Lobb found himself playing deep in defence.

The rest, they say, is history.

Lobb relished the mid-season switch, just as he has enjoyed his first full pre-season in defence too.

“Obviously building off the back end of last year after moving positions, I’m really excited for the season ahead,” he told Dwayne Russell during the Club’s annual membership blitz.

“I never thought I’d be a backman. I was always told I’d be a ruck, and always saw myself between the two positions as a ruck-forward.

“Getting moved down back... I feel like this is my greatest position. It allows me to play that contest, long-down-the-line game, and read the ball.

“Hopefully I finish my career as a backman and can hold down this spot. I’m loving it.”

Lobb said he may not have always gotten the balance right as a forward; wanting to to give his teammates space to flourish.

“When I was playing forward, I was always trying to be a selfless player: I’d run and lead out of space to try and create space for other player,” he said.

“I might’ve gone too far the other way where I’d take myself out of games to try and allow guys like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton or Sam Darcy to fly for marks. I wasn’t focussing too much on my own game and kicking goals.

“Now that I’m a backman, I’m trying to clog up the space, bring on the contest and try to win the ball back for our team. It definitely suits me a lot more.”

The Bulldogs will kick off their 2025 campaign against the Kangaroos this Saturday evening at Marvel Stadium.

For one day only, the Western Bulldogs are taking over SEN for their annual Bulldogs Blitz. To mark the occasion, a special Bulldogs Blitz membership offer is available: buy three games and get nine. That’s a saving of $121!

Don't just witness history. Be part of it.

Take advantage of this limited offer and become a member today.