Rory Lobb had to go back to take his AFL career forward.
At 31, and playing for his third club, being a flaky ruck-forward with occasional spurts of brilliance wasn’t going to cut it any more.
With defensive rock Liam Jones injured, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge flipped the magnets.
Lobb was moved into defence and he's shone ever since, shutting down the likes of Jeremy Cameron and proving an intercept marking force to help the Bulldogs seal sixth spot and a finals berth.
"I'm loving it. I’ve had a good back end of the year - it’s just night and day from the start of the year when I wasn’t getting a game," Lobb told AAP.
"Obviously a bit disappointing throughout the start when I wasn’t getting a game but I’ve found my spot down back, I’ve really loved playing with the backs, I’ve got a good connection with everyone and really enjoying it.
"I just went back to basics - just making sure that my contest is really good and I’m working hard to get there."
Lobb, who is contracted until 2026, has come a long way from when trade speculation swirled as he ground away in the VFL early in the season.
"I know I have a lot to give at AFL level and when I wasn’t playing at the start of the year, there’s obviously going to be speculation," he said.
"But I’m loving my time down back, I’m really comfortable with the group, it’s such a great environment."
The Bulldogs certainly aren't lacking for height - with Lobb's new housemate Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (197cm), Aaron Naughton (195cm) and Sam Darcy (208cm) imposing targets in the air.
Lobb (207cm) has also covered for ruckman Tim English (208cm) and switched forward when required.
"I’ve played pretty much every position on the field as a 207cm bloke - so I’m happy to play wherever I’m needed," he said.
"We’ve obviously got some weapons in the air with ‘Naughty’ and Jamarra as well, so dynamic with the way they move up forward and Sam's so big, he’s just such a good target to kick to. We’re feeling really good."
The Bulldogs play Hawthorn in next Friday's elimination final at the MCG, and hope it can kickstart a special run.
"Obviously they beat us to go on their run earlier in the year, so a bit of payback would be nice," Lobb said.
"But they’ve been playing some really good football.
"We had to beat a lot of good teams to get here - we put ourselves in this position.
"We’ve beaten a lot of teams, we know we can beat anyone. We’ve just got to show up come September."
