GREATER Western Sydney are confident agile big man Rory Lobb will be playing for Fremantle in 2019.

Lobb formally requested a move to the Dockers on Monday after weighing up offers from both Western Australian clubs.

Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, GWS football boss Wayne Campbell said talks were progressing smoothly.

“(List manager Jason McCartney) has been having some good discussions with (Fremantle CEO and acting list manager) Steve Rosich, who’s controlling this deal,” Campbell said.

“We met with them on Monday and they’re really keen on Rory and see him as a really valuable player for them.

“Without (revealing) any specifics because we haven’t really worked it out yet, I’m sure between the two of them they’ll come to some sort of deal over the next week.”

As reported by The West Australian on Tuesday, Lobb shapes as the Dockers’ No.1 target, with concerns over Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan’s price and durability.

As AFL trade week kicks off, the GWS Giant has chosen Freo as his perferred club over the Eagles.
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Hogan is also yet to request a trade home, while Fremantle’s ability to satisfy the Demons could rest on the compensation they receive from Brisbane for wantaway midfielder Lachie Neale.

A 207cm forward-ruck, Lobb will go some way towards filling the chasm of quality tall targets at Ross Lyon’s disposal.

The 25-year-old has played his best football inside 50, bagging 29 goals in 2016.

Injuries to the Giants’ tall stocks have since forced Lobb into the ruck, where he is yet to find his feet.

Lobb is one of several GWS players on the move this off-season as the club looks to relieve pressure on its bursting salary cap.

Gun midfielder Dylan Shiel signalled his desired to become an Essendon player on Tuesday, while former No.5 draft pick Will Setterfield has requested a trade to Carlton.