Home

Docker Lobb firming for shock AFL return

Justin ChadwickAAP
Rory Lobb (l) is close to a shock return from injury for Fremantle in AFL on Sunday.
Camera IconRory Lobb (l) is close to a shock return from injury for Fremantle in AFL on Sunday. Credit: AAP

Fremantle big man Rory Lobb is a chance to make a shock AFL return this Sunday - but only if he can prove he's ready for a ruck role.

Lobb was initially expected to miss about half the season after suffering a strain to his ACL as well as significant damage to the posterolateral corner in his right knee during a practice match against West Coast.

The 27-year-old has stunned the club's medical staff with the rate of his recovery, and he's a genuine chance to line up against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Lobb got through training on Thursday, and how he pulls up on Friday will determine whether he's ready to return.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

If he does play, four-game ruckman Lloyd Meek is almost certain to be squeezed out of the side so that Lobb and Sean Darcy can team up in the ruck.

Longmuir says he will only pick Lobb if he's ready to ruck.

The Game AFL 2024

"He has to. We need a second ruck. That role, it's a second ruck role, so we need him to be able to do that," Longmuir said.

"I don't think there will be a lot of risks to the knee if he pulls up fine (from training). It will just be more if he's conditioned enough.

"When you go into a game and you're not conditioned enough, you put other areas of your body at risk."

Meek has been a solid contributor this season, averaging nine disposals, three clearances, and 13.5 hitouts in his four games.

But Longmuir simply can't afford to select a team that contains Darcy, Meek, and Lobb in the same side.

"Clearly we can't play them all, so we're going to have a good discussion about what our best mix is," Longmuir said.

"We would be too top heavy if Rory comes in for a small. We have to get that mix right.

"I've been really happy with what Lloyd's done. He's shown great improvement over the past month. He'd be really stiff if he misses out."

Fremantle had the league's longest injury list a few weeks ago, but the cavalry is arriving thick and fast.

Defender Griffin Logue (hamstring) made a successful return to WAFL ranks last week and is a chance to play against the Crows.

Goalsneak Lachie Schultz (concussion) is also a chance to return to the senior side, while midfielder Darcy Tucker is likely to play in the WAFL reserves after overcoming a serious hamstring injury.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails