Rory Lobb is confident in the Western Bulldogs’ defence in 2026

Jedd Busslinger in action during the VFL R3 match between Footscray and Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on April 5, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

RORY Lobb feels ready to step up as a leader and key plank in defence as the Western Bulldogs seek to bridge the gap on the top sides next year.

The Bulldogs narrowly missed the finals last season when beaten in the last home-and-away round by Fremantle in what was effectively an elimination final.

Their ninth-place finish would have been enough to secure a finals berth under the new wildcard system, to be implemented for the first time next year.

Lobb is a fan of the concept but is hopeful the Bulldogs can climb further up the ladder regardless of the playoff format.

Rory Lobb (right) at Western Bulldogs training on November 26, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

And the 199-game tall believes a defensive unit that lost Taylor Duryea, Liam Jones and Jason Johannisen over the off-season can hold up its end of the bargain in the Dogs’ pursuit of September action.

The Bulldogs also missed out on recruiting target Callum Wilkie, who remained at St Kilda after AFL.com.au reported the Dogs had put forward a lucrative offer, but Lobb is bullish about the players at coach Luke Beveridge’s disposal.

“I feel really confident,” Lobb said.

“Guys like James O’Donnell and Jedd Busslinger are so young and they’re really scratching the surface in what they’re capable of.

“I feel like we’ve got a really good core down there and I feel like we’re going to improve.”

James O’Donnell warms up prior to the match between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide at Mars Stadium in round 10, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Seven of the Bulldogs’ nine losses last season were by margins of less than three goals, and Lobb said stemming opponents’ momentum in games will be key to bridging the gap.

“It was really disappointing that we didn’t play finals,” Lobb said.

“We feel like we played some really influential football over the period of time, and not getting it done and not playing finals last year hurt a lot.

“Ten teams are going to make finals next year and I’m hoping we’ll be there.

“But we’ve got a lot to improve on and we want to play finals and we want to go deep into September.”

Lobb threw his support behind the new wildcard system, in which teams ranked 7-10 will play off in what used to be a pre-finals bye week.

“There’s a few mixed feelings about it but there’s more football and I love playing football,” Lobb said.

“It takes away that bye weekend before finals, which I feel like was a bit annoying at times.

“When I was at the Giants and you make top four and then have the week off, you’re missing out on football.

“But it’s exciting and puts a little bit more atmosphere coming into finals. It’s good.”

Rory Lobb at Western Bulldogs training on November 26, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Lobb has become famous for his wacky hair in support of charities and forecast further eye-catching styles next season – dependant on approval from his wife.

The 32-year-old returned for pre-season training on Monday with his hair dyed pink, but said the chlorine in the rehab pool had washed it out.

Lobb has battled a minor back complaint but does not expect his pre-season to be significantly disrupted.