AFL 2023: Latest trade, contract news before free agency opens

Aaron Naughton has signed an astonishing eight-year extension at the Western Bulldogs, making him in the longest tenured player in the league. And there’s a big reason why. Have your say.

Aaron Naughton of the Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein

The Western Bulldogs handed Aaron Naughton an extraordinary eight-year deal after being made aware rivals were prepared to offer ten-year contracts that compared to Lance Franklin’s deal to move to Sydney.

This masthead revealed on Thursday Naughton was on the brink of a mega-deal to sign on at the Dogs, with the club announcing an eight year deal at the club’s best and fairest that night.

The Dogs believed Sydney and West Coast were his chief pursuers, given the Swans need for another key tall and the Eagles link to his home state of Western Australia.

They had been told in negotiations one of those two clubs would offer a ten-season deal for Naughton, who is only 23 years of age.

Aaron Naughton has signed a huge deal at the Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein.

Dogs chief executive Ameet Bains told the Sutton Medal audience there was a ten year offer for him from a rival club.

Naughton has another season on his existing contact so the Dogs will secure him for nine years in total.

There is an inherent risk in all long term deals, but the Dogs could not afford to lose a key position star so young and only entering his peak.

The Dogs are confident they will retain the services of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan past his contract running to 2024, given his happiness on his expanded role and close friendship with captain Marcus Bontempelli.

All Australian ruckman Tim English is in no hurry to give away his free agency rights with a deal expiring next season.

But this masthead understands his partner, Super Netballer Rudi Ellis is an excellent chance to move from Perth to play with the Melbourne Vixens next season.

He has a house in Melbourne so, while the Dogs might have to pay a ridiculous amount to retain him, her move gives them hope he will sign on long term like his great mate and former housemate Naughton.

The Dogs have not been offered a deal for Bailey Smith from the Hawks despite reports they would be handed the club’s pick 3 for the under-utilised mid, who finished 15th in the best and fairest.

Naughton signs stunning eight-year mega deal

Western Bulldogs star Aaron Naughton has recommitted on an astonishing eight-year extension that will keep him at the Whitten Oval for life.

Talks have quickly escalated in recent weeks since the AFL pay deal was sealed, with the collective bargaining agreement to rise 37 per cent across five seasons.

It gave Dogs list manager Sam Power and Naughton’s manager Andrew McDougall, of Corporate Sports Australia, the certainty to broker a new long-term deal.

The eight-year extension locks him until 2032 and makes him longest tenured player in the AFL passing Nick Blakey who is locked in to 2031.

Naughton turns 24 in November and has one more season on his current deal at around $800,000 in 2024.

So the new contract could take him into his 30s at the Whitten Oval in a sign of his loyalty to the club.

Bulldog Aaron Naughton is likely to be a one-club player. Picture: Michael Klein

“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.”

The market for star forwards of his calibre is likely to mean the deal is approaching $10 million in total by the time another CBA rise is factored in.

For coach Luke Beveridge and the Dogs hierarchy it will be a huge relief given the club also has free agent Tim English, star midfielder Bailey Smith and key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan out of contract in 2024.

English is set to wait until next year to assess his options with his partner playing Super Netball in Perth and clubs likely to throw crazy offers his way given his status as an All Australian.

Smith is likely in his last season at the Bulldogs next year, with continuing reports that Hawthorn will offer pick 3 for him in this trade period as they attempt to bolster their midfield.

Bailey Smith’s future is clouded. Picture: Getty Images

Naughton had a disappointing season by his standard this year, but a player dubbed the AstroNaut for his high-flying ways still kicked 44 goals and is entering his prime as an AFL star.

He will hope to help lead the Dogs back into the finals next year, with coach Luke Beveridge contracted past 2024 but under significant pressure after the club missed the finals this season.

Naughton bought a house in Melbourne in the last 12 months and has always seen his future at the Western Bulldogs.

The Herald Sun revealed last week the Dogs were the favourites to secure the No.4 draft pick from the Suns, and were keen on brilliant small forward Nick Watson in the draft.

It would make their forward line a dangerous multifaceted unit, with Naughton, Ugle-Hagan, Rory Lobb and small forwards Cody Weightman, Arthur Jones and the 172cm forward Watson.

Blues runner settles on new home

Carlton halfback Zac Fisher will meet senior Roos officials and conduct a medical at Arden St this week as his move away from the Blues grows closer.

Fisher had to get his head around moving clubs to secure more opportunities given his love of Carlton, but is now expected to join North Melbourne.

That deal of at least four years – potentially with a fifth-year trigger – means the Roos will need to ensure he has no unforeseen issues with his body.

But barring something extraordinary, the 25-year-old will add another complimentary piece to the Roos midfield, which is also set to gain Sydney’s Dylan Stephens as part of its onball make-up next year.

Zac Fisher is poised to sign a long-term deal at the Kangaroos. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Fisher went to school in Perth at Guildford Grammar School with close friend and current Roos full back Griffin Logue, who was drafted out of WA in the same season.

He also played football with Cam Zurhaar, who was a 2017 rookie, in Perth as a junior.

While the Blues are likely to be a finals contender in coming seasons, Fisher is buoyed by the suite of draft picks the Roos have been allocated as they try to rise up the ladder in coming seasons.

So while he has a contract for two seasons at the Blues, the chance to play some midfield, wing and halfback under Clarkson has proven an appealing prospect.

North Melbourne will hope to secure him for a late pick given he is surplus to requirements at the Blues.