Western Bulldogs veteran Rory Lobb has revealed that severe childhood bullying led to him being hospitalized and contemplating suicide, prompting his mother to pull him from school. Lobb shared his story on Channel Seven's "Unfiltered," detailing how the relentless harassment, which included physical violence and verbal abuse, left him in a "dark place" during his teenage years.

"I was very close to tipping over the edge," Lobb told host Hamish McLachlan. He recalled one instance where he was knocked unconscious and frequently feigned illness to avoid attending school. His mother intervened midway through Year 9 after Lobb confided in her about his suicidal thoughts.

Lobb described how the bullying escalated after a new student arrived at Governor Stirling Senior High School in Perth, fostering a "pack mentality" among his peers. He stated that his Year 9 was "like hell," with home becoming his sole sanctuary. Even participating in sports became difficult, as some of the students involved in the bullying also played.

Despite the ordeal, Lobb credited one friend who did not join in the bullying and maintained their friendship, which he believes helped him through the difficult period. "I feel like he really saved me in a way and I still have a relationship with him now," Lobb said.

After leaving school, Lobb worked with men, stopped playing sports, and spent much of his time alone, finding solace in movies. His public account of the bullying has resonated with many, prompting shared experiences and praise from supporters of various AFL clubs online. Comments on social media platforms reflected empathy, with some users noting the long-lasting impact of such experiences.

Lobb, who was drafted by GWS in 2013 and later played for Fremantle before joining the Bulldogs, urged young people facing similar situations to speak up. "Just to speak up," he advised. "It is the obvious thing and it is one of the hardest things to do."

For those in need of support, resources such as Lifeline (131 114) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) are available.