Key forward Aaron Naughton has moved one step closer to making his return from injury.

The rising star has missed the past three games, after injuring his ankle in the Bulldogs’ round four win against Sydney.

But he has now begun some low-level running following surgery.

“Aaron is going well after his syndesmosis ankle surgery,” medical services manager, Chris Bell, said.

“He has commenced running and will continue to progress over the next couple of weeks.

“We’re optimistic that we’ll see him back in the next four to six weeks.”

The Bulldogs had a clean sheet on the injury front on Friday across both the AFL match and scratch match.

Forward Sam Lloyd made a successful return from his shoulder injury, while Ryan Gardner has resumed training following a calf injury. 

Injury list

Ryan Gardner (calf) test
Josh Dunkley (ankle) 3-5 weeks
Taylor Duryea (quad) 3-5 weeks
Lin Jong (ankle) 4-6 weeks
Aaron Naughton (ankle) 4-6 weeks