MATTHEW Lobbe is taking new competition for ruck duties in his stride, using the arrival of two ruckman options to the squad as an opportunity to move upfield.

The entrance of star Essendon recruit Paddy Ryder and return of teammate Jarrad Redden in 2015 is likely to see a shakeup in Port Adelaide’s ruck and forward line.

With injury-plagued Redden undertaking a season-long rehabilitation from knee surgery last year, Lobbe took on ruck duties virtually alone, proving himself as a reliable workhorse for the Power.

The reigning ‘solo ruckman’ says going from one to three ruckmen is proving to be healthy competition for the boys, which will also add versatility to their side.

“It’s going to mean it’s pretty hot for spots – it’s going to ramp up training a bit I think with three ruckmen up and going,” Lobbe said.

“We’ve always had some good competition, me and Reddo, at training. He’s a natural ruckman and he’s stepped straight back really easily into that contested side of it.

“Which is a good thing – it means we’re going to be training better probably and a bit more pressure on our spots.”

The dispersion of rucking duties hasn’t yet been discussed, but it’s likely it will be assessed on a week-to-week basis, dependent on match-ups and team performance.

With the arrival of strong alternative ruck options, Lobbe says he’s been given some room to move and is looking forward to exploring his versatility as a player.

The big man is now working to prove his impact as a resting forward.

“…in drills and in training I’ve been able to go forward more and spend a bit more time there which is what’s going to help me the most [to] develop in that area,” he said.

“That’s what I’m working hard on and I’ve got to prove that in games, so that’s something I’m looking forward to having a crack at.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play a bit of a different role, you know, having probably a better impact on the side and another look in terms of us being a bit more damaging across the whole game rather than just in the ruck.”

Forward line flexibility has been a key focus area for the Power and Lobbe is confident it will be a huge advantage in Round 1 when they face a strong defensive Freo side.

“[We] have a pretty versatile forward line and the weekend showed that - you know, Schulzy and Westy taking some decent defenders meant that Butch could take some big grabs and kick some goals,” he said.

“So, however that works in the forward line and being versatile and playing as a team.”