Wednesday, 22 January 2020:

Sean Darcy

Fremantle big man Rory Lobb hopes he can join forces with Jesse Hogan and Matt Taberner this year in a potent attacking line-up.

Lobb agreed to move to the Dockers from GWS at the end of 2018 after being promised the chance to spend more time in attack.

But injuries to Aaron Sandilands and Sean Darcy last year meant those plans went out the window, with Lobb forced to lead the ruck for large chunks of last season.

Sandilands has since retired, but Darcy has enjoyed a dream pre-season to date.

Lobb hopes he can play predominantly up forward this year, joining the likes of Hogan and Taberner in what would be a formidable trio of spearheads.

"I came to the club to play as a forward," Lobb told reporters on Wednesday.

"With Sean building his game, he's only 21, but he's definitely developing. He's a lot better at 21 than I was. He's really good.

"I'm looking to play forward with Hoges and Tabs. I've been training as a forward and that's the plan."

Hogan is still on the comeback trail from foot surgery, while Taberner missed most of last year with how own foot stress fracture.

Lobb averaged 21 hitouts, 13 possessions, and four marks per game last season, as well as contributing 13 goals.

But he was forced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after round 19.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a strong pre-season, and new coach Justin Longmuir is urging Lobb to take on more of a leadership role this year.

"Last year I took a back seat coming in. I didn't want to come in and tell boys what to do," Lobb said.

"I wanted to build relationships. This year he's telling me to step up as a leader and lead this young group and really direct on the field."

AAP