Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Aaron Naughton

[The Underdog]

Hard to believe turns 18 today

It seems like only yesterday that he was 17 and like only 2 weeks ago that I had no idea who he was.

[GVGjr]

How many games do you think Naughton might play next season? I'd have him down for just 6 or 7.

It's going to be interesting to see how we managed the surplus of taller defenders.

[boydogs]

How many games do you think Naughton might play next season? I'd have him down for just 6 or 7.

It's going to be interesting to see how we managed the surplus of taller defenders.

1 at most unless we're out of the running for finals before the end of the season

He was 17 when drafted, he might be more physically developed than most but so was Kieran Collins

[bulldogtragic]

Maybe 3 or 4 if injuries hit us a bit.

Cordy, Adams, Morris, Wood, Collins, Young & Roberts should be sufficient. I've no problems with him learning his craft within our game style and game plan at VFL level. If his form needs to be rewarded that's a great outcome also.

[Rocco Jones]

Hard to tell. The fact he is more athletic and intercept mark type means he is probably more AFL ready, unlike a traditional KP. If he tears it up in the VFL, age is a number.

[GVGjr]

1 at most unless we're out of the running for finals before the end of the season

He was 17 when drafted, he might be more physically developed than most but so was Kieran Collins

He might even be tried forward. I get the point you have made, Hamilton had played senior football in the SANFL but never looked capable of making it at the AFL. I just think if Naughton gets through the early part of the season without injuries we will be looking to introduce him into the side. I think the difference between he and Collins is that Naughton is further advanced with his ability to read the game and take marks and that should be his points of difference

[GVGjr]

Hard to tell. The fact he is more athletic and intercept mark type means he is probably more AFL ready, unlike a traditional KP. If he tears it up in the VFL, age is a number.

I started my response before I read your reply. That's how I see it.

[Bulldog Joe]

Naughton already has form against men in the WAFL and I think that is important particularly for a taller player.

There are obviously a few competing for the spots, but he looks well ahead of where Lewis Young was at this point last year.

Injury permitting Naughton could easily chalk up 6 to 10 games. It will be interesting to see how his body holds up to the AFL level intensity.

[Ghost Dog]

Massive arms. Love the look of him. Just always worry a bit about WA recruits and the homesickness factor. But he can always go to Warrnambool. Like the fact he's played with English.

[kruder]

Young and Naughton play a similar role and you would expect Young to be ahead at this stage but like a number of our defenders is yet to become a lock for best 22. For mine only Adams and Wood are best 22 at this stage I could see Morris, Cordy Roberts, Trengove and Young all out of the side at stages so I think Naughton will get his chance, I'd say 4-5 games is my estimate.

[Dry Rot]

Is the first question to ask, how we will handle Morris?

Does he play all games if available or do we rest him regularly, not travel interstate etc?

If the latter, I see opportunities for Naughton.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Is the first question to ask, how we will handle Morris?

Does he play all games if available or do we rest him regularly, not travel interstate etc?

If the latter, I see opportunities for Naughton.

No way that Morris plays all games.

Reality is it has to come down to form. Morris looked to be slowing last season, but he was still able to contribute.

I'd earmark around 15 games for Moz.

[bornadog]

No way that Morris plays all games.

Reality is it has to come down to form. Morris looked to be slowing last season, but he was still able to contribute.

I'd earmark around 15 games for Moz.

Agree

We need Moz to mentor and help the young defenders for another year and that is it.

[bornadog]

Aaron to make his debut Sunday v GWS - all the best.

[GVGjr]

There was a bit of conjecture that he wasn't the right player for us but I'm genuinely excited by this debut.
Lets hope Naughty has a great game