Dockers stand firm on Lobb AFL trade

Fremantle believe they can strike an AFL trade deal for Melbourne's Luke Jackson without offloading Rory Lobb, who wants to join the Western Bulldogs.

RORY LOBB of the Dockers.
RORY LOBB of the Dockers. Picture: Michael Willson/via Getty Images

Fremantle continue to talk tough on Rory Lobb, confident they can sign AFL trade target Luke Jackson without losing their leading goal-kicker.

WA product Jackson is determined to leave Melbourne for his home state and is yet to officially nominate a club of choice.

The Dockers are considered favourites to secure his services ahead of West Coast, who remain interested.

The versatile 21-year-old is described by the Demons as a "generational talent" after starring in their premiership last year.

"We've got our first pick this year and first pick next year," Fremantle list boss David Walls said.

"That's where 90 per cent of your currency is, in the first round.

"We've got a few other things on the go, so I think we'll be able to get there."

Fremantle will acquire additional draft picks that could be used in a Jackson deal by trading Blake Acres and Darcy Tucker to Victorian clubs.

Acres will go to Carlton, while Griffin Logue is also likely to achieve his wish of a move to North Melbourne.

West Coast are open to splitting pick two at this year's draft for a pair of lower selections that could be used in their pitch for Jackson.

"We're keen to bring him in," Eagles list boss Rohan O'Brien said.

"We'll just keep in contact with Luke and his management and Melbourne in particular to see what that looks like."

Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb is working with both WA clubs and is hopeful a bidding war will drive up the price.

"Luke was pick three (at the 2019 draft), he's played 50 games and he's a generational talent in our eyes, so we expect to be compensated accordingly," Lamb said.

Lobb, who has one season left of a four-year deal with Fremantle, was denied his trade wish 12 months ago.

The 29-year-old hopes to move to the Western Bulldogs this year, but remains in limbo.

His latest trade request came after he kicked 36 goals in 21 games this year as the most prolific forward in the Dockers' rise to the top-eight.

"(The Bulldogs) have come to us, we've had some conversation but we've got no intention of trading Rory," Walls said.

"Last year there was a request made and there was really never an offer made for Rory, and he came back and had probably his best year of footy ever.

"He's done it once and he can do it again."

Fremantle are interested in recruiting Gold Coast duo Josh Corbett and Jeremy Sharp.

A 190cm forward, Corbett could bolster the Dockers' attacking firepower if Lobb was to leave, while last year's No.8 draft pick Jye Amiss is expected to step into a regular role next season.

Walls ruled out releasing versatile tall Brennan Cox, who has attracted some interest from rival clubs.