First year Western Bulldogs defender Aaron Naughton is the Round 23 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee.

Naughton collected 18 disposals (12 of those contested), nine marks, 12 intercept possessions and four rebound 50s in the Dogs’ three point loss to Richmond on Saturday.

The Western Australian was taken with pick nine in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft and made an immediate impact at VU Whitten Oval, making his debut in the opening round of the season.

He has averaged 12 disposals and four marks from his 18 games this season – missing four games due to injury.

Naughton is the second Rising Star nomination for the Bulldogs this year, with fellow defender, Ed Richards nominated in Round 10.

18-year-old Naughton signed a contract extension in June, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.