Rory Lobb hopes his renewed aggression in contests can help him lock down a spot in the Western Bulldogs' tall forward line as he eyes another showdown with his former AFL club Fremantle.
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Lobb's selection could come down to whether young star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan declares himself available for next Sunday's clash with the Dockers at Optus Stadium.
It was Ugle-Hagan's absence, due to a private family matter, that led to Lobb's recall for his second senior game of the season in Thursday night's 60-point thrashing of St Kilda.
But the 31-year-old ruck-forward believes his solid, if not spectacular, performance against the Saints and application to his role can lead to more action at the top level.
"I went out of the side in round one, went back (to the VFL) and got my contest work back," Lobb told AAP.
"I've been hanging out and waiting for a spot, but these boys (Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy) are developing really well.
"Wherever I can come into the team, I'm going to do whatever I can.
"I'll stick to the process and try to bring that aggression, and even if I can't mark it I'll bring it to ground.
"I feel like my contest work was where it needed to be (against St Kilda), and obviously I wasn't able to hit the scoreboard, but other guys did, so it was good.
"I was trying to bring as much energy as I could and bring what 'Marra' (Ugle-Hagan) would bring with that contest work and try to lay some tackles."
Lobb played 20 of a possible 23 games last year in his first season with the Bulldogs after a high-profile switch from Fremantle.
The drawn-out move came after the Dockers denied his trade request 12 months earlier and irritated many of the WA club's fans, who made their feelings known when Lobb returned in Bulldogs colours in round six last year.
But Lobb had the last laugh that night, kicking 1.3 in a 49-point win, and hopes to resume the personal battle when the Dogs visit Optus Stadium again to face Fremantle in round seven.
"Hopefully I can hold my spot ... but I'd love to play my old mob at Optus again," Lobb said.
"It was a really good atmosphere last year and I had a few of the cheer squad text me after the game to say I was a good sport.
"I'm happy to hear all the boos and get around it - it just adds to the energy.
"When you're getting booed it just gets you up and gets you through the game really well."
The Bulldogs are hopeful Ugle-Hagan will make a swift return to action, but won't pressure the 22-year-old into a decision.
Australian Associated Press
