Ruckman denies Port has issues after third player banned in three weeks
RUCKMAN Matthew Lobbe denies undisciplined play is becoming a trend at Port Adelaide despite a third report to one of the club's players in as many weeks.
Defender Tom Jonas was offered a three-game suspension for a bump on St Kilda's Dylan Roberton that left the Saint dazed.
Roberton's half-time interview with Cameron Ling was cut short due to the player's confused behaviour.
Jonas' report follows suspensions to Justin Westhoff and Kane Cornes.
While Lobbe insisted all three were isolated acts, he admitted the string of offences would be a talking point at Alberton as the Power prepare to take on the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
"I don't think Kenny's (Hinkley) going to be too happy with fact that we've lost a few players, but I think they've all been individual incidents," Lobbe said.
"We don't want our players getting reported but we love the way Tommy (Jonas) attacks the footy as well.
"It's probably something we'll talk about during the week."
Lobbe also denied his teammates should change the way their ways, insisting they must "attack the footy as hard as you would and keep that your sole focus".
While Cornes will return for the Power against the Lions, coach Hinkley must now replace one of the club's defensive lynchpins in Jonas.
Campbell Heath (17 disposals), Nathan Blee (21, one goal) and Lewis Stevenson (13 possessions) all pushed their case for selection with solid SANFL outings at the weekend.
Lobbe has been the club's sole ruckman since Jarrad Redden had season-ending surgery in June and has looked more and more comfortable in the role.
The 24-year-old was superb against St Kilda last Saturday night with 17 disposals, a goal and 40 hit-outs.
"I've loved the challenge of being able to play full game time in the ruck," Lobbe said.
"You learn all the time, every year in footy you learn a lot and you get more opportunities to learn when you're out there on the ground for longer."
Lobbe is out of contract at season's end but said leaving the club wasn't an option.
He expected to re-sign with the Power later in the season.
"I love being here at Port Adelaide…no issues there," he said.
Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
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