Young ruckman Rory Lobb will make his AFL debut for the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS against Essendon at Spotless Stadium this Saturday night.
At 206cm tall, 21-year-old Lobb is the tallest player on the GIANTS list and was recruited from Swan Districts in Western Australia with selection 29 at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
Lobb comes into the side with midfielder Stephen Coniglio who returns after missing Round 11 with a shoulder injury.
All Australian forward Jeremy Cameron will miss the match due to suspension, while Dylan Addison has been omitted.
Lobb, who will become the 64th player to represent the GIANTS, said he can’t wait to make his debut.
“Leon Cameron announced it in front of the group and I couldn’t have been happier. It was great to tell Mum and Dad, and I think Mum was more excited than me,” said Lobb.
“Being a little bit older and coming through as a mature age recruit has helped me a lot and I’ve really enjoyed my first few months at the GIANTS.
“The Bombers are a tall side and in really good form so it’s going to be a big learning curve for me but one I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
Head Coach Leon Cameron says it’s great to see Lobb get his opportunity.
"His NEAFL form for the UWS GIANTS has been fantastic in the ruck and forward as well. He’ll play forward for us but also help out Shane Mumford in the ruck and we’re really looking forward to seeing how he goes at AFL level,” said Cameron.
“Last week’s performance against Hawthorn was the standard we expect and we’re looking forward to delivering that against Essendon this Saturday night at Spotless Stadium.
“It’s pretty rare that we play night games at home so we’re looking forward to plenty of GIANTS fans coming along to see a great match,” he said.
The GIANTS play Essendon at Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park this Saturday night at 7.40pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
GWS GIANTS v Essendon
Saturday June 7, 7.40pm
Spotless Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
GWS GIANTS
B: Heath Shaw, Aidan Corr, Adam Kennedy
HB: Sam Frost, Tim Mohr, Curtly Hampton
C: Rhys Palmer, Jacob Townsend, Will Hoskin-Elliott
HF: Jed Lamb, Jonathon Patton, Tom Scully
F: Lachie Whitfield, Adam Tomlinson, Devon Smith
R: Shane Mumford, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
I/C: Rory Lobb, Adam Treloar, Stephen Coniglio, Kristian Jaksch
Emergencies: Joshua Kelly, Dylan Addison, Nathan Wilson
In: Stephen Coniglio, Rory Lobb
Out: Jeremy Cameron (suspension), Dylan Addison (omitted)
