Matthew Lobbe returns to Port Adelaide where he played 92 of his 100 AFL games.

PORT ADELAIDE will welcome back to Alberton former ruckman Matthew Lobbe, who will take on a dual coaching and football operations role.

Lobbe played 100 AFL games including 92 for Port Adelaide between 2010 and 2017.

The 32-year-old finished his AFL career with Carlton in 2019 and has most recently been a playing assistant coach at Werribee.

General Manager – Football, Chris Davies said Lobbe would bring a fresh perspective but with a familiar voice to the coaching unit, taking on the title of ruck coach.

“Matthew understands the environment and expectations we have at Port Adelaide and will work well with our ruck group,” Davies said.

“He has been working with the midfield group at Werribee for the last couple of years, on top of his day job at AFL Players Association, which has given him valuable experience on and off the field.

“We look forward to welcoming him back in the coming weeks.”

Lobbe is looking forward to returning to South Australia and the club which first drafted him with pick 16 in the 2007 National Draft.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be back at Port Adelaide,” Lobbe said.

“I’m looking forward to working with the rucks and helping them be the best they can be and also working within the football department and building on what is a successful environment.

“I have really enjoyed my time with the AFLPA and with Werribee, which are both great environments with fantastic people but it will be great to be back at Port where I have great memories.”

Lobbe will start in his new roles in January.