Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has responded to reports that Rory Lobb is set to request a trade at the end of the year.
Channel 9 journalist Tom Morris detailed on Sunday night that the 31-year-old forward will request a trade out of Whitten Oval at the end of the season as the out-of-favour forward battles form and seeks more senior footy.
However, Beveridge says Lobb approached him after the report came to light and said the comments didn’t reflect how he was feeling and was apologetic to the senior coach who was unaware of the reports.
“He came in and saw me and I wasn’t even aware of it and he was looking at me as if he’s walked into the principal’s office,” Beveridge told reporters at a Wednesday press conference.
“He was quite apologetic and even embarrassed by it and I just reassured him that if that’s what’s transpiring you know whether it’s rumour or innuendo or if it’s actually factual. It doesn’t matter to me because you’re one of our people and one of our players and we will take care of you and you’ll still continue to play AFL footy when your form is right and there’s a spot there for you.
“I just reassured him about that, and I think he was a little bit embarrassed by some of the public stuff that went out there.
“It didn’t reflect his chain of thought because he’s absolutely committed here and anything that happens post-season happens post-season.
“I think he was just trying to reassure me that anything like that about him was a bit distasteful and unsavoury and won’t get in the way of his application.”
With Aaron Naughton missing this weekend due to a knee injury, Beveridge says Lobb will most likely line up on Friday night against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
“Most likely with Aaron Naughton coming out of the team and Lobb playing well at state league level,” Beveridge added.
Lobb has played three senior games in 2024 and 23 total for the Dogs since joining from Fremantle prior to the 2023 season.