The Western Bulldogs have confirmed that star forward Aaron Naughton is still a chance to face Fremantle next week after the club cleared him of serious injury and concussion on Friday.
The West Australian forward left the Bulldogs’ clash with Sydney on Thursday night via stretcher following a sickening fall while flying for a mark. Naughton launched himself into the air but had his legs taken out by a Swans defender running the other way, sending him into a forward flip. He landed heavily on his neck and was immediately taken for medical assessment.
However, in a statement released by the Western Bulldogs on Friday afternoon, it was revealed that Naughton had not sustained structural damage to his neck or spine.
“Scans have cleared Aaron Naughton of any serious structural damage to his neck,” the statement read. “The forward has some muscle spasm and pain associated with the injury. He has no signs of concussion symptoms. Naughton will be monitored over the coming days to determine his availability for Friday’s game against Fremantle.”
The Bulldogs have endured a wretched run with injuries in 2026, turning their hot start into a downward spiral. The club currently has eight of its best 22 players in the medical ward, including star spearhead Sam Darcy, whose season was cut short by an ACL rupture. Tom Liberatore and Tim English are also on the sidelines alongside Cody Weightman and Riley Garcia, who are out indefinitely.
