Western Bulldogs star Rory Lobb has revealed he experienced suicidal thoughts due to childhood bullying that left him hospitalised on multiple occasions.
The veteran ruckman shared all in an emotional interview, opening up on the horrific bullying that forced him to quit school in Perth.
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Lobb revealed he suffered torment at the hands of bullies, suffering physical and verbal abuse that began in year right.
“I’ve blocked out a lot throughout my life and it’s a bit of a blur and I feel like that was a bit of a coping mechanism,” Lobb told Channel 7.
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“My year nine was just like hell. It was a really hard time in my life.
“It was physical, verbal and it was very emotional for me as a person, and I didn’t really have the tools to handle the situation that I was in.”
Lobb’s only break from the bullying came when he was at home, with his tormentors even finding him at footy training.
He was hospitalised multiple times and even knocked unconscious on once occasion.
Lobb began skipping school to avoid the abuse, with only one fellow student sticking up for him.
“I was lucky enough to speak to my mum when I was having suicidal thoughts and I feel like I was very close to tipping over the edge,” he added.
“Every hour was terrible. The only happy space that I had was at home.
“It wasn’t even really about anything … it just was like a fun thing for them.
“I feel like he really saved me in a way and I still have a relationship with him now.
“For him to be a 14-year-old and not jump on what other people were doing, I’m incredibly grateful for him.”
“I really missed that I didn’t get to experience being a kid. I had to grow up so quickly and I was a loner.
“It is one of the hardest things to do and I feel like I should have spoken up a lot earlier.
“I just let it build up, build up, didn’t tell my parents. Doesn’t matter who it is, whether it’s a friend that you’re really close with.”
Originally published as AFL star Rory Lobb opens up on childhood bullying that left him hospitalised and experiencing suicidal thoughts