Bulldogs spearhead Aaron Naughton is making the most of an uninterrupted pre-season, enjoying time away in Perth over the Christmas period upon returning to Whitten Oval this month.

The 22-year-old has returned in great shape and is ready to lead the forward line in the absence of some stars.

“It’s a bit strange (being titled a leader) but I’ve played a few games down there now and yeah you probably start to get that leadership title in the forward line,” Naughton told 7news.

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“I am probably one of the more experience players down there – we are still pretty young.”

Naughton spent a large part of the off-season training in Perth, even venturing down to a local WAFL club to have a run around.

“It was awesome to go down (to South Fremantle) – a bit of a different environment – no pressure and just enjoy footy again,” he said.

“Fitness has probably gone up a little bit since not having any niggles and being able to get a good block of training pre-Christmas away from the club.”

As for goals in 2022, Naughton wants to continue the rise with partner in crime Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as the side looks to go one better.

“I still want to continue to grow and hopefully get better,” he said. “I see (my leap) as a weapon in my game and I want to continue to do that.”

“I’ve spent a bit of time with Jamarra in the off-season and he has really come back in good shape and really driven to have a good crack this year.”

“It’s not an ideal way to finish the season the group is really driven to make it one more.”