Exciting forward Aaron Naughton is set to play his 50th AFL game this week.
The 20-year-old already has a highlights reel the envy of many.
Naughton burst onto the scene initially as a defender, playing 18 games in his first season, before taking flight as the AstroNaught as a key forward over the past two seasons.
“It’s come around reasonably quick,” Naughton said today of the milestone, which he’s set to reach against the West Coast Eagles on Sunday night.
“This year I’ve been a little bit injured, so I’ve had it delayed a little bit, but it’s definitely something that’s exciting and a nice little achievement.
“As soon as I got to the club, I probably got a little bit lucky at the start with Dale Morris and Marcus Adams being a bit injured in my first season to be able to play some senior footy.
“I grabbed the opportunity with two hands and just continued to play footy and back myself in.
“I was lucky in my first two seasons to basically play every game and hopefully it now flows on from there.”
Naughton has played just eight games this year, but the Western Bulldogs certainly look a more formidable side with him on the park.
Off-season surgery impacted his pre-season, and just as he’d started to regain form, an ankle injury struck to sideline him for six games.
Two weeks into his return and Naughton had kicked six goals on All Australian full back Daniel Talia.
“I’ve sort of had an inconsistent year with injury and returning, and trying to find form and getting injured again and that side of things,” he said.
“Hopefully these last couple of games of the year, I’m starting to build some consistency in my game and it’s something I’ll continue to do.
“Obviously getting the number one defender is always tough, but it’s a challenge I look forward to.
“Bevo and Ash Hansen, our forward line coach, have been really great with me about keeping things simple and things I can focus on and know that if I do those things well I’ll be able to perform at a consistent level.
“I try not to not over-think things and just play on instinct really.”
Sunday’s game presents a massive challenge for Naughton – and the Bulldogs.
Stationed in defence will be the likes of Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass, and Naughton will be hoping he can have a big impact as the Bulldogs strive to keep their 2020 finals hopes alive.
“Those guys are really good intercept defenders and quality AFL players,” he said.
“Whoever comes to me, I’ll be looking forward to the challenge.
“We’ve had a couple of days off early in the week and now we’ll have two main footy sessions.
“I think all the boys are pretty refreshed for having those few days off and looking forward to the weekend.”
