The good, the not so good, the exhilarating, the heartbreaking… we’ve taken a look at the Moments That Mattered during the AFL season.
From now until the full playing group returns for the start of pre-season on November 25, westernbulldogs.com.au will count down 19 moments that had a big impact in 2019.
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How about we move Aaron Naughton forward?
That decision was made on the eve of the season.
After impressing in his debut season predominantly as a key defender, the 19-year-old was challenged to play a different role – an important role that his team needed him to play.
In round seven, the AstroNaught took flight.
To echo the words of Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw, he tore the game to shreds.
Eventual premier Richmond had no answer for the high-flying teenager.
Naughton helped the Bulldogs snap a four-game losing streak, with a 47-point win at Marvel Stadium.
He kicked five goals and took nine contested marks, one shy of the all-time record held by North Melbourne great Wayne Carey.
The young Bulldog came to life in the second term.
He kicked three of his five goals in that period and dominated in the air.
Naughton had shown plenty of promise in the first six weeks of the season.
But this was proof he could be a match-winner as a forward.
Counting down the 2019 Moments That Mattered…
#3 THE FINALS BERTH SECURED
#4 THE BONT-INSPIRED POWER OUTAGE
#5 THE BIG WIN
#6 THE COACH COMMITS
#7 THE DUNKLEY DOMINATION
#8 THE RETIREMENTS
#9 THE COMEBACK
#10 THE RE-SIGNINGS
#11 THE HEARTBREAK
#12 THE HANGER
#13 THE TENSE FINISH
#14 THE UPSET
#15 THE ALL AUSTRALIANS
#16 THE RISING STAR
#17 THE FIGHTBACK
#18 THE DEBUTANTS
#19 THE MIGHT OF THOR
