The Western Bulldogs are hopeful that star forward Aaron Naughton has avoided a severe ACL injury after Thursday night’s game against Sydney, as he awaits further medical scans. Naughton, 24, landed awkwardly during a tackle early in the second quarter of the match at Marvel Stadium. He was visibly in pain and remained on the ground for an extended period before medical staff attended to him. He was then helped off the field, unable to put weight on his injured leg, and taken to the rooms.
Naughton was ruled out for the rest of the game but later returned to the bench in the second half with his knee in a brace. According to Foxfooty.com.au, the Bulldogs are cautiously optimistic that Naughton’s injury is not an ACL tear but a less severe medial injury.
Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor expressed concern, noting Naughton’s visible pain and speculating on the seriousness of the injury. Fellow commentator Alister Nicholson echoed these sentiments, highlighting Naughton’s significant discomfort.
The Bulldogs were left short-handed for the remainder of the match, having already used their substitute player after Ryley Sanders replaced Anthony Scott, who suffered a head injury early in the game.
Naughton, who recently signed a substantial eight-year contract extension with the Bulldogs, would have feared an ACL tear based on the symptoms and his reaction. However, there is cautious hope within the team that the injury might not be as serious. In a similar incident in 2019, Naughton appeared to have sustained an ACL injury but it turned out to be a lateral ligament injury, allowing him to return the following year.
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph noted the Bulldogs’ anxiety and potential reliance on player Rory Lobb if Naughton is sidelined. The upcoming scans will determine the full extent of Naughton’s injury, making for a tense waiting period for the team and fans alike.
