Dockers hopes of trades for Hogan and Lobb dashed as duo re-sign with clubs

THE Fremantle Dockers have been dealt a blow with two reported trade targets re-signing with their current clubs.

Melbourne announced this morning forward Jesses Hogan had signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Victoria until the end of 2019.

Similarly, Greater Western Sydney announced Rory Lobb had put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension that will secure the versatile big man to the club until the end of 2019.

Speculation had been rife that both West Australians would feature heavily during the October 10 to 20 trade period, with West Coast and Fremantle especially in need of promising talent.

However, all that has been put to bed, forcing the two WA clubs to turn their attention elsewhere.

Hogan, who went to Melbourne in the 2012 mini-draft, said he was delighted to remain in the red and blue for at least the next three seasons.

“Melbourne is where I want to be. I really like the city and I’m really excited about what we can do together as a footy club,” he said.

“I didn’t really want all the speculation out there, so there is a bit of relief now that we’ve got it done and I can just focus on being a footballer again.

“Obviously a lot has been made of me being a Perth boy, but the club has been great in allowing me to head home when I can and that’s something that’s made my decision much easier.

“They’ve been really good with my situation and something that I am really appreciative of.”

Lobb joined the Giants after being picked up with pick 29 in the 2013 draft.

He said the strides taken by the club in 2016, a season where the Giants finished one win short of a maiden grand final appearance, convinced him to reject a move back west.

“As a playing group we took some big steps this year and I think there is still plenty of improvement in us which is exciting,” he said.

“I’ve grown really close to my teammates and I believe that if we stick together, we can hopefully achieve the ultimate success in the future.”

Fremantle has been linked to Hawthorn premiership midfielder Brad Hill, the brother of Dockers speedster Stephen, and GWS forward Cam McCarthy.