Bulldogs spearhead Aaron Naughton is making the most of an uninterrupted pre-season, enjoying time away in Perth over the Christmas period upon returning to Whitten Oval this month.

The 22-year-old has returned in great shape and is ready to lead the forward line in the absence of some stars.

“It’s a bit strange (being titled a leader) but I’ve played a few games down there now and yeah you probably start to get that leadership title in the forward line,” Naughton told 7news.

“I am probably one of the more experience players down there – we are still pretty young.”

Naughton spent a large part of the off-season training in Perth, even venturing down to a local WAFL club to have a run around.

“It was awesome to go down (to South Fremantle) – a bit of a different environment – no pressure and just enjoy footy again,” he said.

“Fitness has probably gone up a little bit since not having any niggles and being able to get a good block of training pre-Christmas away from the club.”

As for goals in 2022, Naughton wants to continue the rise with partner in crime Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as the side looks to go one better.

“I still want to continue to grow and hopefully get better,” he said. “I see (my leap) as a weapon in my game and I want to continue to do that.”

“I’ve spent a bit of time with Jamarra in the off-season and he has really come back in good shape and really driven to have a good crack this year.”

“It’s not an ideal way to finish the season the group is really driven to make it one more.”