Star forward Aaron Naughton is a Bulldog for life.
The 23-year-old has pledged his long-term future to the red, white and blue after committing to an eight-year contract extension, keeping him at the Kennel until at least the end of 2032.
With a year remaining on a current deal, it means Naughton will run out in front of the Bulldogs’ faithful for a further nine seasons.
Naughton has become a leader of the football side after joining the leadership group in 2022, showing consistency beyond his years to kick 142 goals across the past three seasons.
The Western Australian joined the Bulldogs in 2017 via Pick 9 in the National Draft and despite beginning his career as a defender, he now sits among the best key forwards in the game.
Naughton is a two-time leading goalkicker for the red, white and blue, amassing 191 goals in 123 games, whilst missing just three matches since the beginning of 2021.
Naughton himself was pleased to lock away his future at the Bulldogs.
“It’s a special moment for me to sign, particularly for my family,” Naughton said.
“To sign a long contract and to be here to stay, especially for my teammates as well, I want them to know I am in it with them together. To play alongside these guys for the years to come is really exciting.
“When you get drafted by this club and they make you feel so welcome, not only myself, but the whole family back in WA, it’s fantastic. You build strong connections with all your teammates and I have some of my best mates here.
“I am bullish on this group and what we can achieve in the years to come. It is a lot of hard work and I know this group is willing to put in every day.”
Bulldogs’ General Manager of List and Recruiting, Sam Power, couldn’t have been more thrilled to retain Naughton for the next nine years.
“Aaron is an outstanding player and an exceptional person and there is no doubt this is an exciting day for the Club and our members and fans,” Power said.
“We love what Aaron brings to this football club each and every day, so it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to agree on a long-term contract extension prior to the start of 2024, alongside his manager Andrew McDougall at Corporate Sports Australia.
“Aaron’s re-signing is another strong showing of confidence in the Club’s long-term ambitions and culture.
“Aaron continues to be a vital leader amongst the group, setting the benchmark on and off the field as the Club looks to climb back up the ladder.
“We see Aaron as a huge part of the Bulldogs’ future, being only 23 years of age, and we’re delighted our supporters can watch him run out for years to come.”
