Lobb has Giant boots to fill as GWS searches for Shane’s successor

GREATER Western Sydney big man Rory Lobb has proved his fitness to fill the ruck void left by retired star Shane Mumford.

After battling a groin injury during the AFL pre-season, the 25-year-old was locked in a battle with journeyman Dawson Simpson for a place in the centre square.

Lobb has been named on the bench for today’s Round 1 match against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra and will share ruck duties with key for- ward Jonathon Patton.

GWS coach Leon Cameron said the influence Mumford continues to have as a ruck coach at the club even after retiring would benefit all his players. Cameron hoped Lobb and the Giants’ fellow big men would create a legacy at the club like Mumford did.

“Obviously everyone is going to create their own pathway and Mummy created his pathway by being an aggressive ruckman, and no doubt that benefited our midfield- ers,” Cameron said. “We feel as though when our midfield is playing in the manner that we want them to play, we’re hard to beat.”

Lobb and Patton will come up against Bulldogs premiership ruckman Jordan Rough- ead after he recovered in time from an injury suffered in the pre-season. Roughead’s backup will be Tim English, 20, playing his third AFL game.

The Giants enter the match at UNSW Oval, where they haven’t lost since 2015.