Greater Western Sydney have locked away another of their emerging AFL stars, with ruckman-forward Rory Lobb signing a two-year contract extension.
The 23-year-old 206cm Lobb, who has signed until the end of 2019, had a breakout season this year, in which he played every game and notched the second highest total of contested marks in the competition and kicked 29 goals.
He played a big part in the Giants' surge to a preliminary final, backing up senior ruckman Shane Mumford and giving GWS another tall target in their forward line alongside Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton.
"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," Lobb 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."
Late in the season, it was rumoured West Australian Lobb might seek a trade back to his home state.
However, he has joined a host of other key Giants this year in deciding to commit to a contract extension.
The list includes Mumford, midfielders Callan Ward, Tom Scully, Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield plus key defender Nick Haynes, while veteran forward Steve Johnson last week signed for 2017.
"We believe he (Lobb) has got a really bright future and we see him as a key member of our team in the coming years," Giants' general manager of football Wayne Campbell said.
"Like many of our players, he's taken enormous steps forward this year."
