The opportunity to play predominantly as a forward was a key in luring Greater Western Sydney big man Rory Lobb to Fremantle, according to the boom recruit.

The 207cm marking target was unveiled in Dockers colours at the club’s Cockburn base for the first time this morning, where he revealed the opportunity to be close to a big and tight-knit family meant he had been keen to return to WA.

“I have been away five years with the Giants and being so far away from the family, they didn’t get to too many games,” Lobb said. “I was excited to sort make my way back eventually and the opportunity arose and I made the call.

“There’s six siblings and 10 nieces and nephews (in my family) and there’s only one other sibling that is away from Perth so I thought I’d come back and be with them.”

But Lobb’s reason for choosing to request a trade to Fremantle over premiers West Coast appears to have been the opportunity to play his preferred position.

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

Camera Icon Rory Lobb in his new colours. Credit: Twitter/@lacytalks

The 25-year-old was forced to be the Giants’ No.1 ruckman late in the season and finals after Dawson Simpson went down with injury.

“I just really liked the (Fremantle) list and I thought that it would be a bit better fit for me, trying to play as a forward-ruck, I just thought it would be the best option to play my best footy,” Lobb said.

“That’s where I played my best footy – as a forward-ruck. I sort of rose to take that ruck role when Dawson Simpson went down late in the season but I definitely see myself as a forward-ruck.

“Obviously you’ve got (Josh) Kennedy and (Jack) Darling down there (at West Coast). I thought there was an opportunity with key position players at Freo and I would come here and build my brand through there.

“I just see myself being more effective as a forward. I felt like when I was in the ruck, you are wrestling in there, in stoppages the whole time. I sort of lose that bit of running and flying for my marks so I feel like as a forward I can sort of do that more.”

Lobb said he only found out late in the piece that fellow key forward Jesse Hogan would be joining him at the port club.

“I was on Fraser Island so I didn’t really have phone signal and I was standing on the top of my car trying to get some signal on trade day, on the last day and I ended up getting a little bit and saw that,” Lobb said.

“I would say it would be a lot similar (to playing with Jeremy Cameron). Jesse is a really good contested mark player as well so we’ll hopefully get some good connection.”

Lobb has already spoken to coach Ross Lyon in person twice but said they hadn’t gone into depth on his role at his new club.

He declared his body healthy after an interrupted 2018.

“I finished off the season really well and with no injuries and I feel really good,” Lobb said. “This is probably the best I’ve felt coming out of a season.

“I’ll probably come back with the other boys (for pre-season in November) and then just in and out of the club until December.”