Western Bulldogs Forward Aaron Naughton Escapes Season-Ending ACL Injury in Loss to Sydney
Aaron Naughton left Thursday night’s game in the second quarter after his knee was caught awkwardly in a tackle. The Western Bulldogs confirmed on Friday afternoon that scans revealed a “moderate grade medial ligament injury” in Naughton’s right knee.
Naughton is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks as he recovers from the injury. The 24-year-old, a key figure in the Bulldogs’ forward line, has been their leading goal kicker over the past two seasons, with 22 goals in 11 appearances so far this season.
In addition to Naughton, Anthony Scott and Ed Richards both sustained concussions in the gruelling 14-point loss to the Swans. The absence of Naughton means that more goal-kicking responsibilities will likely fall on the shoulders of talented forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, who has kicked 16 goals in nine matches this season, including three against Sydney.
The Bulldogs are also looking forward to the return of vice-captain Tom Liberatore, who has been out since suffering a severe head injury in Round 8 against Hawthorn. Liberatore has been training with the team and is set to return to AFL action next month after extensive consultation with specialists.
Currently, the Bulldogs are 11th on the ladder with a 5-6 record after 11 matches in 2024. They will face reigning premiers Collingwood in their next match.
