Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has praised Rory Lobb’s capacity to deal with the warmth after the spearhead was bodily and verbally focused within the 49-point demolition of Fremantle.
Lobb was set upon by Fremantle gamers even earlier than the primary bounce, and he was concerned in a number of different wrestles all through Friday’s match as his former Dockers teammates vented their fury in opposition to him.
The 30-year-old, who left the Dockers in frosty circumstances final yr, ended the match with 1.3 and 6 marks to his title from 12 disposals within the 17.16 (118) to 10.9 (69) victory.
Although his scoreboard affect wasn’t large, Lobb offered an vital outlet up entrance, and his presence ended up distracting Fremantle gamers at occasions.
“It’s interesting, isn’t it? You know, former teammates – and maybe it’s to get us offside,” Beveridge mentioned of Fremantle’s intent to bodily goal Lobb.
“We expected it. I think our guys are disciplined and flew the flag as you would.
“I do not assume something untoward eventuated however it’s a cauldron on the market and once you’re the centre of the bodily focus, it is not all the time straightforward.
“So I thought he handled that really well and played the game out accordingly.
“He did not kick too straight tonight himself, however I believed he had an actual affect. I believed he dealt with the night time fairly effectively.”
Lobb was loudly booed by the 47,503-strong crowd every time he touched the ball.
Leading up to the game, a group of Fremantle fans launched a Lobb-inspired beer called ‘Lobster Tears’ in a cheeky dig over Lobb’s defection last year.
The can featured a cartoon picture of a lobster holding a footy, with the beer flavour described as a slightly salty raspberry sour.
After the match, Lobb joined in the light-hearted nature of the venture by happily posing with a can of the beer.
“I do not know why it is salty and bitter, as a result of I’m probably not salty and bitter to be sincere,” Lobb advised Channel 7.
“It was a little bit of enjoyable. I noticed it earlier than the sport and had a little bit of amusing with the boys. I’d knock this one again later.”
The win improved the Bulldogs’ record to 3-3, but it came at a cost.
Veteran Jason Johannisen and midfielder Tom Liberatore both copped head knocks in the final quarter, and are in doubt for next week’s clash with Hawthorn.
The match will mark the 200-game milestone of skipper Marcus Bontempelli, who continued his hot form with 31 disposals, 10 tackles, eight clearances and two goals.
“We’ll have fun a diamond,” Beveridge mentioned.
“The quantity 4 he is worn unbelievably effectively and hopefully we will get a win for subsequent week.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
