Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Rory Lobb will probably play in opposition to Collingwood on Friday night time as he revealed the “embarrassed” large man apologised for rumours of him wanting out of the membership being aired publicly this week.
A report on Sunday night time advised that 31-year-old Lobb has “already made up his thoughts” and would request a commerce to a fourth AFL membership subsequent season regardless of having two years left on his contract the Bulldogs.
Lobb has performed simply three video games this season however is about for a recall in opposition to the Magpies after Aaron Naughton went down with a knee harm in final week’s loss to the Swans.
On Wednesday Beveridge stated he wasn’t even conscious of the report when Lobb made an look in his workplace this week in a gathering throughout which the coach advised the participant he was nonetheless “one among our folks” and that any hypothesis about his future wouldn’t influence that.
“He got here in and noticed me and I wasn’t even conscious of (the report). He’s me as if he’s walked in to the principal’s workplace,” Beveridge stated.
“He was fairly apologetic and even embarrassed by it. I simply reassured him that if that’s what’s transpiring, whether or not it’s hearsay or innuendo or it’s really factual,it doesn’t matter to me, he’s one among our folks, one among our gamers and we’ll care for him and he’ll proceed to play AFL footy when his kind is correct and there’s a spot there.
“He stated it didn’t mirror his prepare of thought, he’s completely dedicated right here and something that occurs post-season, occurs post-season. He was simply making an attempt to reassure me that something like that which was a bit distasteful or unsavoury gained’t get in the way in which of his utility.”
Beveridge stated Lobb has been “taking part in nicely” at VFL stage and will are available in to assist tackle the ahead line shortcomings with each Naughton and Cody Weightman sidelined by harm for the medium time period.
Beveridge additionally defended the membership’s stance in permitting injured midfielder Bailey Smith, who’s recovering from an ACL and gained’t play this yr, heading Europe for 3 weeks as a part of his restoration.
“We took that strategy with Bailey firstly of his rehab, after he has his operation …to get him by way of the preliminary phases of his journey,” Beveridge stated.
“This will likely be one other look which is sort of important for him as he scales as much as put together to play once more which is probably subsequent yr. I don;t assume he;s going to any longer than three weeks, I believe it will likely be good for him. “
The Bulldogs will tackle a Collingwood outfit ravaged by harm at Marvel Stadium on Friday night time.
