Giants keen on Dockers ruckman Rory Lobb

Greater Western Sydney are open to Rory Lobb returning to the Giants during this trade period, with the 28-year-old forward ruck keen to make the move.

Giants sources confirmed discussions had taken place with Lobb about him making the switch, but the club would need to flatten out his contract to ensure he could fit in their salary cap, while the Dockers would also need to agree to release him.

Docker Rory Lobb is hoping for a return to the Giants.Credit:Getty Images

Lobb, who was one of the best ruck-forwards in the game when he left the Giants three years ago, has two years remaining on his contract.

The Giants are also hopeful that the Dockers may cover some of Lobb’s wage to facilitate the move. However, industry sources said Fremantle would not do that as they would prefer him to stay.

Lobb’s original motivation for seeking a move back to the eastern seaboard was related to family and business interests and the Giants, who traded Jeremy Finlayson to Port Adelaide on Tuesday, lost Jeremy Cameron to Geelong in last year’s trade period and have ruckman Shane Mumford retiring, see Lobb as a perfect inclusion as a hybrid ruck-forward.

The Giants remain adamant that no player would be involved in any deal. Stephen Coniglio, who grew up in Western Australia, is determined to continue his career at Greater Western Sydney as he looks to recapture his form after two lean years defined by injury and form issues.

Meanwhile, West Coast are not likely to pursue Port Adelaide midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper after the club traded in Sam Petrevski-Seton.

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Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age covering AFL, horse racing and other sports.Connect via Twitter or email.

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