EMERGING Greater Western Sydney star Rory Lobb could seek a shock trade to his home state Western Australia at season's end.
The 23-year-old is contracted to the Giants for 2017, but both Perth clubs have become aware of the potential of him wanting out.
With Aaron Sandilands playing possibly his final season next year for Fremantle as a 34-year-old, Lobb looms as a key Dockers target.
But their scope to provide viable currency is seemingly diminished by negotiations that require deals to be struck for Lobb's GWS teammate Cam McCarthy and Hawthorn wingman Brad Hill.
The Giants' general manager of football, Wayne Campbell, told AFL.com.au on Friday he had not heard any whispers about Lobb wanting to go home.
"It certainly came as a surprise to wake up and read that. We haven't spoken to Rory or his management," Campbell said.
"Rory is a hugely valuable member of our team and he needs to focus on the West Coast Eagles, so that's what he'll be doing."
Campbell said talk of players leaving was not a distraction for the club ahead of a maiden finals series.
"No, ... it's the new, modern world of footy where that sort of stuff happens a fair bit.
"Naturally, towards the end of the year, [there is] talk towards 2017, but our guys are very professional. They all love playing for Leon (Cameron) and the Giants ..."
Lobb has played every game to date for the Giants in a breakout season, taking 49 contested marks, which is ranked second in the League behind Gold Coast's Tom Lynch (56).
He has also provided valuable support to Shane Mumford in the ruck and has booted 21 goals, including a four-goal haul in the Giants' big win over Hawthorn in round six.
Lobb, who stands at 206cm, was taken with pick No.29 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft and has played 30 games since his debut in round 12, 2014.