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Fremantle Dockers forward Rory Lobb has season-ending ankle surgery with his future up in the air

Headshot of Braden Quartermaine
Braden QuartermaineThe West Australian
Fremantle big man Rory Lobb won’t play again until his future at the club is resolved, after having season-ending surgery on his troublesome ankle. 
Camera IconFremantle big man Rory Lobb won’t play again until his future at the club is resolved, after having season-ending surgery on his troublesome ankle.  Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Fremantle big man Rory Lobb won’t play again until his future at the club is resolved, after having season-ending surgery on his troublesome ankle.

Lobb, who kicked 20 goals in 13 games this season, has not played since being subbed out during the loss to Geelong in round 18.

The 28-year-old is contracted for a further two seasons but is understood to be considering requesting a trade.

Dockers football boss Peter Bell said the decision to send Lobb for surgery was made after it became clear he would not make it back this season and referred to the forward-ruckman getting ready for the start of “our pre-season”.

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“Following some light mobilisation work this week, Rory’s ankle became further inflamed and sore,” Bell said.

“After consulting with the surgeon it was decided that the surgery planned for the off-season should be brought forward.

“While this means Rory’s 2021 season is over, we are pleased that the surgery went as planned and he can now use this time to recover and get himself in the best possible shape for the start of our pre-season.”

Rory Lobb will not play again in 2021.
Camera IconRory Lobb will not play again in 2021. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

The Dockers named key forward Josh Treacy to return for Sunday’s clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, with Nat Fyfe (shoulder), Michael Walters (hamstring) and Alex Pearce (concussion) all out injured.

Potential debutant Nathan O’Driscoll, Brett Bewley, Ethan Hughes, Tobe Watson and Joel Western were added to an extended bench that will be finalised on Friday.

Meanwhile, coach Justin Longmuir denied he was leaving Reece Conca out of the team to ensure the defender doesn’t hit a trigger to earn a new deal for next season.

Conca completed some excellent shutdown jobs on some of the competition’s big-name small forwards early in the season, before suddenly finding himself out of favour.

Conca, who turns 29 next month, was dropped from the 22 ahead of the round nine clash with Essendon and has featured only once since.

Longmuir described the link between contractual terms and selection as “totally inaccurate assumption and rumour”.

“You know, if that was the case because of a trigger we wouldn’t have played him as the sub against Essendon and him not get on the ground,” he said.

“So I’m really offended by whoever’s saying that. It’s totally inaccurate.

“Reece is really clear on what he needs to do to earn a spot in the team and he hasn’t been able to do that consistently enough to earn his spot back in the side. So that’s where it sits.”

WAFL - East Fremantle vs Peel Thunder. Pictured - Peel's Reece Conca marks
Picture: Daniel Wilkins
Camera IconConca will play for Peel Thunder after opting out of Fremantle’s quarantine. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

While Conca’s future at the club appears bleak, Longmuir said no decision had been made.

“Like a lot of decisions, they’ll be made at the end of the year,” he said.

“The club and him will have a discussion when the season’s done.”

Conca has elected not to be part of the club’s 14-day quarantine bubble, meaning he can’t train with his teammates or be selected in the next two games. The Dockers have also left several injured players, a doctor and a physio outside of the bubble group.

Fremantle are preparing to play three consecutive home games, beginning with the Tigers and followed by Brisbane and the second western derby.

The 8-10 Dockers are just half a game adrift of eighth spot but will likely need to finish at least 3-1 to play finals given their poor percentage.

Adam Cerra and James Aish at training today.
Camera IconAdam Cerra and James Aish at training today. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

Longmuir said Fremantle would not be giving up on the season in the wake of their growing injury toll, but neither could they become distracted by the goal.

“Whoever wants it, it’s still up for grabs,” he said.

“We just need to focus on us and get our footy in order and put in a more complete four-quarter performance.

“We briefly talk about the opportunity in front of us and finals is a part of that. But if you get caught thinking about that too much, you lose focus of what you need to actually get it done.”

Longmuir said the absence of Fyfe would likely allow for increased on-ball time for David Mundy, Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, rather than force them to find a direct replacement for the skipper.

Longmuir at training today.
Camera IconLongmuir at training today. Credit: Justin Benson-Cooper/The West Australian

“The obvious option there is just to play the four mids as insiders and find another winger,” he said.

Longmuir said there were no plans to rest ruckman Sean Darcy, who is carrying a knee injury, over the final month and that his issue against Sydney was a knock to his calf.

“We’ll play him if he’s fit to play,” he said.

“He’s a young player and any games we can get into him is beneficial at this stage of his career and he’s such an important player for us. He personally wants to finish off the season really strong, so we’re not going to hold him back.”

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