AFL player Rory Lobb has opened up about the devastating impact of school bullying, revealing the abuse became so severe during his teenage years that he was hospitalised, left with suicidal thoughts and ultimately withdrew from school.
Speaking on Channel Seven’s Unfiltered, the Western Bulldogs veteran said the torment included physical violence, with one incident leaving him knocked unconscious, and led him to regularly avoid attending classes.
‘I pulled a lot of sickies, I just did not want to go to school,’ Lobb told host Hamish McLachlan as he reflected on that painful period of his life.
Lobb said a crucial conversation with his mother during his lowest point changed everything, prompting her to remove him from school halfway through Year 9.
‘I was lucky enough to speak to my mum when I was having suicidal thoughts,’ he said, describing the moment that helped him escape the damaging environment.
Rory Lobb has spoken candidly about how relentless bullying at school left him struggling with suicidal thoughts
The Western Bulldogs veteran discussed the abuse in an emotional interview with Hamish McLachlan on Channel Seven’s Unfiltered
Lobb said he left school midway through Year 9 after suffering verbal abuse and physical violence from other students
‘I feel like I was very close to tipping over the edge.
‘I’m just happy that I spoke up at the time and I was able to catch myself at such a young age.’
During Year 8, Lobb said he felt connected to his teammates while attending the football program at Governor Stirling Senior High School in Perth.
He said that changed after another student arrived, with others adopting what he described as a ‘pack mentality’.
‘And I felt like everyone sort of jumped on that pack mentality, and then my Year 9 was just like hell. It was a really hard time in my life,’ Lobb said.
He said the bullying involved physical violence and verbal abuse, with the emotional impact proving particularly difficult to handle.
Home became his only happy place. Even sport offered little relief because some of those involved in the bullying also participated.
But it was his mother who decided he should leave school, fearing the same treatment would follow him elsewhere.
Lobb, pictured with his mother and sister, said bullying resulted in hospital visits, including one occasion when he was knocked unconscious during his schooling
Lobb said home became his only happy place, while bullying also stripped him of his enjoyment of playing sport
Looking back, Lobb said he did not believe that would necessarily have happened.
Lobb paid tribute to one boy who continued to engage with him at the time, despite others joining in the abuse.
‘I feel like he really saved me in a way and I still have a relationship with him now,’ Lobb said.
He said their friendship helped him survive an ordeal that stripped him of his enjoyment of football and left him isolated.
The pair still catch up for coffee when his friend visits Melbourne, and play golf when Lobb returns to Perth.
‘And for him to be a 14 year old and not jump on what other people were doing, you know, I am incredibly grateful for him.’
After leaving school, Lobb said he worked with men, stopped playing sport and spent much of his time alone. Movies became an escape.
His account prompted supporters of several AFL clubs to share their own experiences of bullying and praise his decision to speak publicly.
Supporters from several AFL clubs praised Lobb for speaking publicly, with some sharing their own experiences of schoolyard bullying
‘This really affected me. As someone who had very similar experiences at school, that stuff sticks with you a long time,’ one Reddit commenter wrote.
Another said: ‘Well, I have a new favourite player.’
Lobb was drafted by GWS in 2013 and later played for Fremantle before joining the Bulldogs ahead of the 2023 season.
Asked what he wanted children watching to take from his experience, Lobb urged them to tell someone.
‘Just to speak up,’ he said.
‘It is the obvious thing and it is one of the hardest things to do.
‘I feel like I should have spoken up a lot earlier and I sort of got to a stage where I had those thoughts.’
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
