Western Bulldogs star Rory Lobb at centre of ugly backlash amid AFL trouncing by Lions
Lobb’s display summed up a miserable night for the Dogs.
Western Bulldogs star Rory Lobb has come under fire from his own fans after a disappointing display in Friday night’s 43-point trouncing by the Brisbane Lions in the AFL. Lobb – who is reportedly edging towards a move away from the Bulldogs at the end of the season – found himself at the centre of ugly backlash after being jeered by Dogs fans throughout the 17.12 (114) to 10.11 (71) defeat to the Lions at Marvel Stadium.
Reports emerged last month that Lobb was out of favour with coach Luke Beveridge and the Bulldogs, and that he could be on the lookout for a fourth club at the end of the season. The Bulldogs big man has only played three games in the AFL for his side this year but has been given an opportunity in the past two weeks because of an injury to forward Aaron Naughton.
However, Lobb has done little to stake his claim for a permanent starting spot in the side and was particularly ineffective against the rampant Lions on Friday night. Lobb had just five disposals and was jeered by home fans just about every time he was involved, before being subbed off for the final quarter.
“It’s a bit unsavoury, really. Rory Lobb has been subbed out and copped a lot of Bronx cheers,” ABC’s Tim Hodges said. “A dirty night (for Lobb). He would be hating what’s played out tonight. The fans have really turned on him.” Lobb was frequently dominated by Eric Hipwood at the contest, with the Brisbane star booting a career-best six goals in the thumping win.
And it didn’t make for better reading for Lobb on social media. Fans took to X to vent their frustrations with the Bulldogs star, with many criticising his lack of effort and questioning whether his heart is actually in it for the Bulldogs this season, amid widespread reports he wants out of the club.
Coming off a bye last week, the Lions bounced back from their shock defeat to Hawthorn at the same ground in round 11 with a confidence-boosting win that gets their AFL finals hopes back on track. Lachie Neale was back to his Brownlow Medal-winning best, with 38 possessions, 10 clearances and two goals in the convincing victory.
“It was a good response and was probably as good as we’ve played this year,” Lions coach Chris Fagan said. “It’s a pretty complete performance. What I pointed out to the players in the break was you’re doing a lot of things right, boys.”
