Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Bulldogs set AFL sights on Docker Lobb

Rory Lobb (37) took seven marks and booted four goals in Fremantle's round-21 win over the Bulldogs. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The Western Bulldogs will have a keen eye on dangerous tall Rory Lobb when planning for their AFL elimination final against Fremantle.

Lobb was the match-winner when the teams met earlier this month, kicking four crucial goals as the Dockers prevailed by 17 points.

The ruck-forward has also been heavily linked with an off-season move to Whitten Oval, having unsuccessfully sought a trade out of Fremantle last year.

Lobb is yet to publicly declare his intentions this year but could end his possible future teammates' 2022 season if they can't find a way to contain him at Optus Stadium next Saturday night.

"I'll back our key defenders in," Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli told reporters on Friday.

"He kicked some pretty incredible goals that day (in round 21), Rory, and he's obviously a challenge and a handful for most teams.

"(Our back six will) have a look at the tape and look at how they could've done things better and differently to hopefully shut him out of the game."

The Bulldogs won two crucial games against GWS and Hawthorn to sneak into the finals but will look back this week at their analysis of the preceding loss to Fremantle in a bid to turn the tables on their rivals.

"They had a really solid game plan against us and managed to possess the ball and really move the ball too easily against us," Bontempelli said.

"We created enough opportunities but weren't tight enough defensively, so that's probably the key learning.

"But things could change so you're prepared to react to whatever's coming your way."

The Bulldogs are entering their fourth straight finals series and can still call upon a smattering of senior players who featured in the 2016 premiership team.

Conversely, Fremantle have not played finals since 2015 and will field a side with relatively little experience on the big stage.

The Bulldogs' approach won't change from elimination final appearances in each of the last three seasons.

"We're still in the same position of 'win or go home' and it's that 'all or nothing' type of pursuit of the post-season," Bontempelli said.

"We've got to find our best football really quickly and we managed to beat three of the top four teams across the season, so there's a bit of confidence we can take out of that.

"Our best football is capable against the best bunch and it's just trying to create that for as long as we can."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.