The manager of Western Bulldogs spearhead Aaron Naughton has silence whispers that the Western Australian will be making his way home during this year's trade period, claiming the 23-year-old "loves the Bulldogs".
Recruited from WAFL side Peel Thunder with the ninth pick of the 2017 AFL Draft, Naughton has played 100 games in red, white and blue, earning goalkicking honours last season at the Kennel.
While originally born in Victoria, the 195cm target has called the West home for much of his life. And though recently linked with a shift to join the Dockers' blossoming forward as early as this year, Naughton's manager, Andrew McDougall of Corporate Sports Australia, poured cold water on claims.
“I have spoken to Aaron a number of times over the break and he's still got two years to run on his contract. He loves the Bulldogs, loves the footy club and he's just really looking forward to the year,” McDougall told News Corp.
Contracted at the Whitten Oval until the cessation of the 2024 season, Naughton has security on Barkly Street for another 18 months. And while the Dogs have their main offensive target under lock and key, the club remains keen to extend ties with the headband-wearing forward.
“He has still got a bit of time to play out before the decisions are made either way (at the end of 2025), so at this stage, he's really happy and setting some strong goals at the club with new additions to the Bulldogs. He is in a really good spot at the moment," McDougall added.
Last week, both Naughton and Port Adelaide's Mitch Georgiades were listed as being "very firmly" on the Dockers' radar by 7News' Ryan Daniels. However, when pressed further on the likelihood of Naughton playing in purple next season, McDougall stated interest may be present but a desire to move was not.
“It is extremely unlikely for anything to happen this year with two years left on his contract. Aaron is in really good hands with the club and also really happy at the club and with his teammates. He loves the footy club," the former Eagle and Dog turned player manager said.
“Both Aaron and Tim (English) are out of contract for 2024. Both are from WA are both are happy at the Western Bulldogs. I'm sure not only WA clubs but a number of clubs will inquire about both players over the next two years.”
Although Naughton remains the main man in Luke Beveridge's forward line, the Pups have multiple mouths ahead of the ball in 2023, with blue-chip youngster Jamarra Ugle-Hagan roaming within forward 50, as well as fellow CSA clients in Rory Lobb and English.
“With Rory in tandem with Aaron they will have to put a solid defender on him too and they have big Timmy English pushing forward from the ruck, so it's a really good three-way team, and Jamara is coming along too so having Rory there with Aaron is a really good bonus for the club and Aaron, who won't always have three players on him," McDougall plotted.
Naughton and the Bulldogs are fixtured to face North Melbourne at Princes Park on Saturday afternoon in both club's final pre-season hitout.
The Dogs will open their 2023 season proper when facing recent rivals Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, March 18.
