AF 2014 Profiles: Matthew Lobbe

[ADEZ]

Hey all, started DT two years ago and have finished 1700th and 657th over my first two years, largely thanks to this site. Keen to put more back into the site this preseason. Willing to do requests.



Age: 24
2012: 66.8 from 9 games
2013: 81.1 from 19 games


Season 2013:
Early in 2013, the power's ruck stocks were battling for the number 1 spot. With the help of some injuries ::), Lobbe was given the opportunity to do that just, and he did not shy away from it.
Pre-bye, while Lobbe was fighting for the spot, he averaged 16 hit outs, 1.7 tackles and 58 DT point over 7 games. Post-bye, he averaged an impressive 35 hit outs (which if sustained for a season would be third highest), 6.3 tackles (9th in entire comp, the highest of all other ruckmen was Mumford with 4.3) and 94.5 DT points.
Post-bye, he was very impressive, any other Power fan will be able to second me, he has such tenacity for the contest which resulted in his 6.3 tackles (25.2 DT) per game. Lobbe had a respectable low of 70 post-bye.
Over a six week (108 DT average) period at the back end of 2013, Lobbe put together some monster scores:

• 131 - 17 disp, 40 HO, 7 tackles and 1 goal
• 145 - 17 disp, 59 HO (equal second highest since 1999), 6 tackles and 1 goal
• 136 - 14 disp, 43 HO and 15 tackles (equal 7th highest since 1999 and equal to 60 DT!)

2014 prediction:
I am convinced that Lobbe will continue in the number one ruck role and he will turning 25 at the start of next season and as a ruckmen at that age, will only improve. Expect him to continue as he finished next season ~ 90 - 100

ADEZ's verdict:
One of my favourites. In DT is also a very viable option with the potential to increase his average by 10+, potentially 20 if he can maintain his tenacity, ruck prowess and add some more goals to his game (just 4 in 2013)

[tbagrocks]

Nice work! Found some great form! Definitely needs consideration! Pending trades also

[henry]

The problem is that Redden vying for that spot also as is Renouf.  Port seems to want to play 2 ruckmen when fit, and although Lobbe played most of the second half of the year  by himself, Renouf was brought back in round 23 and played with lobbe before lobbe played the finals by himself.

As the only ruckman, he averages 96 (including finals).
But when Port play 2 ruckmen, he averages only 61.

The big question is, when Redden is fit next year, does he play as well as Lobbe? Maybe as a Port supporter you can answer that?

If he is named round 1 as the only ruckman there's a fair chance he'll be in my team  :)

[Vinny]

What a finish to the year! If he finds consistency, watch out :)

[Mr.Craig]

Depends if I go one or two premium rucks. If it's two then I reckon he's a big chance.

[Football Factory]

Very nice player profile Adez.. if Port have a good draw to start 2014 and he shows some form in the Nab ill seriously consider him.

[Spinking]

Great write up ADEZ.

I'm wondering the same as Henry - where he sits with a fit Redden in the lineup. Would have to think he has taken the mantle as the #1 ruck at Port, but is he likely to play the majority of games in the middle or rotating forward.

Very handy scores late in the season but too much of a risk at that price I'd think.

[ADEZ]

Appreciate the feedback...
Yeah Redden is problem for Lobbe, as a supporter I prefer Lobbe and one traditional ruckman as our game plan relies on as much run as possible and pressure (something Lobbe gives) as we are not the most polished side
However, saying this I am no coach so it is a waiting game really  ::)

[Colliwobblers]

quality work ADEZ, this guy had got to play i agree he is a perfect fit for the new port.

[pommyadam]

will be checking the pre-season scores

but is one of the 6 i'm considering as my premo ruckman (Kreuzer, Goldy, Minson, Leuey, Cox and him)

[Ricochet]

Such a big celling! I can see him improving slightly but not enough for a keeper or to make enough money. So he's a no for me
Nice writeup though ADEZ

[eg6914]

Hmm, him and a few others are fighting for my R1 spot, if Nic Nat has a good pre-season then he should fill that spot but Lobbe is definitely one i am looking at!