Fremantle ruck Rory Lobb will miss an extended period of the 2019 season, due to a foot injury sustained in Freo’s four-point win against Collingwood at the MCG.

Lobb had soreness in his right foot following the round 11 clash against the Magpies and an MRI scan on Saturday confirmed a stress fracture in his fourth metatarsal. 

He has played all 11 games for Fremantle this year and was instrumental in the last quarter against Collingwood.

Lobb played 74 games across five seasons with GWS, before returning to his home state of WA to play for Fremantle via last year’s trade period.

The 26-year-old has been in career best form in 2019, averaging higher in disposals, hit-outs, clearances and contested possessions than in his time at GWS.

Football manager Peter Bell said Lobb will have Fremantle’s full support in his recovery.

“The club is extremely disappointed for Rory,” Bell said.

“Since returning to Fremantle, Rory has impressed everyone with his application and talent.

“Rory had been in excellent form in the ruck and in the past two weeks has produced outstanding games competing against Stefan Martin and Brodie Grundy. 

“The club will support Rory through this challenge and we know that Rory will rehabilitate his injury with the utmost professionalism.

“Given the recent lower leg and foot injuries to key talls, an assessment of training and medical assessment protocols will be conducted to ensure we are operating at best practice. “

No timeframe has been established for Lobb’s return.