Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he will continue to stay out of the way of Rory Lobb's ever-changing hair-styles after the forward-turned-defender produced yet another big display in his new role.
After dying his hair blue for the Bulldogs' 100-year anniversary game in round two, Lobb fronted up to Sunday's 16-point loss to Fremantle with a red lobster dyed onto his head.
The ex-Docker had been baited by Fremantle fans in recent years, with one punter even creating a 'Lobster Tears' beer to mark Lobb's return to Perth in 2023.
Lobb was booed every time he touched the ball on Sunday, but he was a big shining light for the Bulldogs in defence with seven marks and 12 disposals.
It marked another step forward in his evolution from key spearhead to key defender - which began late last season - and Beveridge said he wasn't fussed with the new hair style as long as Lobb keeps walking the walk.
"I'm kind of apathetic towards it, really," Beveridge said.
"I mean, we all think differently, don't we, as as human beings.
"And Rory, he doesn't mind the attention. He's obviously been able to back it up.
"He's playing some pretty good footy, so I'm just trying to stay out of his way."
Lobb was sent forward late against Fremantle as the Bulldogs desperately tried to steal victory.
The Bulldogs won the inside 50m count 63-44, but aside from Sam Darcy (five goals), they lacked reliable avenues towards goal.
Beveridge said it was a reluctant move to send Lobb forward.
"He's played some pretty good footy as a key forward over the journey, and in particular with Fremantle in his time there," Beveridge said of Lobb.
"But even in times where you're thinking, 'Oh, who do we swing him forward', you're reluctant to send him forward because he's such an important player in the intercept game and providing security to our back end.
"So it's a credit to him, the way he's been able to work through that and establish himself as a pretty influential key defender."
Key forward Aaron Naughton kicked just one goal from nine disposals against Fremantle.
The 25-year-old, who booted 51 goals in 2022, has kicked just two majors in the past three weeks, and Beveridge would love to find more ways to get him involved.
"We're just we're working through it with him," Beveridge said.
"He had a bit of an interrupted pre-season, and as he plays more and more game time, he'll continue to scale up.
"He had his moments (against Fremantle), and one or two he capitalised on.
"But he'll, he'll continue to improve."
The Bulldogs will be aiming to bounce back against the Brisbane Lions in Gather Round on Saturday.
