Western Bulldogs expect Rory Lobb to get hostile reception ahead of Optus Stadium clash with Fremantle Dockers

Western Bulldogs expect Rory Lobb to get a hostile reception when he faces his former club Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday. But the ex-Docker has been encouraged to embrace being booed as a badge of honour. Lobb is set to play his fifth game against his old side since he was traded at the end of 2022, with both the Dogs (2-1) and the Dockers (1-2) delicately poised ahead of their round four clash. “I’m sure it’s going to be a hostile crowd for him this week coming back to his former club,” Bulldogs backline coach Daniel Pratt told The West Australian. “I think he’ll be fine. He’s aware the opposition players will probably have something to say to him. “Once you’re out on the field, as a player, you don’t really hear the crowd unless you want to engage with it. It’s probably going to be more the opposition than the crowd. “If he gets booed when he takes a good pack mark and it helps us win the game, I’m fine with them booing.” It won’t be difficult for disgruntled Dockers fans to spot Lobb, with the 206cm defender likely donning a daring hairstyle. Starting the season with peroxide blonde, he dyed it bright blue to celebrate the Dogs’ 100th anniversary in the VFL/AFL and then debuted a new ‘do with a red lobster painted into his scalp. The 32-year-old was still sporting a painted scalp during the club’s captain’s run at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Pratt said he has no issue with Lobb’s theatrics and that the club just wants him to be himself. “He’s his own man. He doesn’t do it for lairising, which some people would think. It’s just who he is,” Pratt said. “You can’t deny someone from showing their true colours and their personality, which is what makes Lobby a great player and a great man. I’m happy for him to do it and I’m sure he’ll continue to play well.” A move into the back six late last season has re-energised Lobb, who has found a permanent home in defence in 2025. But Pratt said Lobb’s “God-given talent” has helped him pick up the craft quickly, describing him as an “aerial acrobat”. “His read on the ball is great, his combativeness and his courage in the air is as good as the best defenders n the comp,” he said. “He’s growing every week.” The Swan Districts product faces a tough task against the Dockers’ tall forward line, while star recruit Shai Bolton poses a threat once the ball hits the ground. “(Josh) Treacy, (Patrick) Voss and (Jye) Amiss are very effective players when they’re at their best, so we’ll have to be switched on,” Pratt said of the backline. “He’s so dynamic, how he plays. He waits ahead of the game, at times. Waits for the ball to come back as well. Having someone manage him - because he does get on his own at times if you’re not switched on - is important.”