PLAYER PARTNER Spending the first half of the year in the NEAFL, the developing ruckman was given a taste of the AFL against Essendon in round 12. It proved some debut, slotting a goal with his first kick early in the first term and taking a couple of strong grabs to show the athleticism in his 205cm frame. He earned another game against Fremantle before a knee injury sidelined him for five weeks, but it was otherwise a solid first year at the top level.Twitter @RoryLobbPlayer Bio Rory Lobb is a developing, athletic ruckman from Western Australia who was drafted by the GIANTS at pick 29 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. Standing at 207cm tall, Lobb is the tallest player on the GIANTS list and is a good contested mark. From a basketball background, Lobb shows deft touch with his ruck work and has developed the ability to push forward and present an imposing target. Lobb had a breakthrough season in 2016 kicking 29 goals, while 2017 saw Lobb take over ruck duties during finals after Shane Mumford's season was curtailed by injury. At a Glance Junior Clubs: Bassendean Debut: 2014 Recruited from: Swan Districts (WA) Brownlow Votes: 5 Community Ambassador: Ainslie Another long-term ruck prospect who came into the side to fill the void left by Shane Mumford, Lobb did enough to show he has a promising future. Needs plenty of work in the weights room, but moved well in the ruck and as a tall forward in his seven games in the second half of the year. Will only get better learning from Mumford. Another ruck prospect with a basketball background, Lobb has impressive size at 205cm and 96kg. The former Swan Districts representative has good hands, demonstrated by his tap work and contested marking and can push forward to provide an imposing target. The West Australian's decision to return to the club early after the off-season break paid massive dividends in 2016, with Lobb announcing himself as one of the best young forwards in the AFL. Played all 24 games for the year, kicked 29 goals and was ranked second in the competition for contestd marks. The big man showed remarkable athleticism as a 207cm forward and back-up ruckman to Shane Mumford and signed a new contract after the season, tying him to the club until the end of 2019. The West Australian couldn’t reproduce his 2016 form last year and kicked just 17 goals in 20 games, including just three in the last nine, but stepped up to play a key role in the ruck during the finals in Shane Mumford’s absence. Lobb will get his big chance as the club’s No. 1 ruckman after Mumford’s retirement last year. While his athleticism and versatility has seen him play as a permanent forward and on the wing, he believes he is ready to take over the role. If he can recapture the contested marking form that he showed in 2016, while also continuing his improvement as a ruckman, he will be a massive asset for Leon Cameron’s team.
