Brad Sheppard isn’t sure why Rory Lobb would want to leave Fremantle amid reported interest from the Western Bulldogs.
Lobb has been mentioned in trade circles for the best part of 12 months despite being contracted to the Dockers until the end of 2023.
After pushing for a move to GWS in last year’s trade period, a Herald Sun report states rival clubs expect Lobb to join the Bulldogs at season’s end.
The 29-year-old ruck-forward is coming off a five-goal outing against Port Adelaide last week.
Sheppard wonders if Lobb’s potential exit is directly linked with Fremantle’s reported pursuit of Melbourne young gun Luke Jackson.
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“It’s been thrown up for 12 months now,” the former Eagles defender told SEN WA’s The Run Home.
“I don’t think if it was up to Rory Lobb he would want to leave.
“He’s a Perth boy … there’s no need for Rory Lobb to leave right now.
“Because there’s no reason for him to leave, why are they willing to give up Rory Lobb? There has to be someone in the wings they’re trying to get in.
“The only big fish that’s been talked about in this state is Luke Jackson. Is he going to come over to West Coast, is he going to come over to Fremantle, or is he going to stay at Melbourne?
“With the likes of (Clayton) Oliver signing for seven years throughout the week, (Christian) Petracca last year, (Max) Gawn the year before, (Jack) Viney the year before, it comes down to salary cap space.”
Lobb’s contract with Fremantle next season is worth a reported $750,000.