Trade talk: Saints showing interest in uncertain Dog

Rory Lobb is a name to watch as the 2026 trade period approaches.

According to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge, St Kilda is showing interest in Lobb who is uncertain about his future at the Western Bulldogs.

Lobb is eager to play in defence and with the Dogs tying Buku Khamis down and likely to sign Jordon Butts from Adelaide, those opportunities may dwindle further.

The 33-year-old former Giant and Docker is contracted with the Dogs until the end of 2027.

“One name to keep an eye on right through this trade period is Rory Lobb,” Beveridge said on Gettable.

“The Saints have some interest in Rory Lobb as an experienced back-up ruck/key defensive option.

“I think Lobb has some interest in what’s out there, either at St Kilda or elsewhere. I don’t believe he requested a trade at his exit interview earlier this week, but I think it certainly is one to watch over the next couple of weeks.

“He clearly wants to be a defender. He was pushed into that ruck/forward role in the second half of this season.

“I think he’s probably looking at his options at the Western Bulldogs and seeing that Buku Khamis is staying on a five-year deal, James O’Donnell has been a good option for them down back, they’re about to bring in Jordon Butts on a five-year deal as well. What does that mean for Lobb? Will he play key back? Can that happen somewhere else?

“Contracted for next season. A lot of water to go under respective bridges on all of these fronts.

“I just think Rory Lobb is a name to watch in this year’s trade period.”

Lobb has played 81 games for the Dogs since joining from Freo at the end of 2022.