By Peter Ryan and Michael Gleeson
In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of news:
- Aaron Naughton is locked into the Western Bulldogs until 2032
- Tom Doedee has chosen to move to the Brisbane Lions as a free agent
- Jade Gresham is almost certain to declare he wants to move to Essendon
Naughton inks long-term Bulldogs deal
Peter Ryan
Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton has signed an eight-year contract extension locking him into the club until the end of 2032.
His decision will see the club turn their attention to locking away ruckman Tim English who is out of contract at the end of next season.
Naughton has played 123 games and kicked 191 goals for the Bulldogs and is one of the game’s best contested marks.
Western Bulldogs spearhead Aaron Naughton.Credit: Getty Images
The 23-year-old has only missed three matches since 2021 and is part of a formidable forward line that includes Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Cody Weightman.
“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,” Naughton said.
The Bulldogs were disappointing in 2023 missing the finals but are looking to reshape their football department under senior coach Luke Beveridge and make use of the talent on their list.
List manager Sam Power said the club was rapt to lock in Naughton for an extended period of time.
“Aaron’s re-signing is another strong showing of confidence in the club’s long-term ambitions and culture,” Power said.
“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.”
Naughton was drafted with pick No.9 in the 2017 national draft.
Doedee heads to the Lions’ den
Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has chosen to move to the Brisbane Lions as a free agent, turning down an approach from the Lions’ grand final victors, Collingwood.
A senior club figure, who did not wish to speak publicly ahead of the AFL free agency window opening on Friday, confirmed that the three clubs – the Lions, Adelaide and Collingwood – have been informed that Doedee, who is recovering from a right knee reconstruction, will nominate the Lions as his trade destination.
Tom Doedee has nominated the Brisbane Lions as his preferred destination.Credit: Getty Images
The Lions had long pursued Doedee, who is originally from Geelong, but Collingwood made an approach later in the season about bringing in the intercept marking defender. Doedee, who ruptured the ACL in his left knee in 2019, has played 82 games for Adelaide over six years.
The Crows are also considering an approach from GWS for Elliott Himmelberg to join the Giants and play with his brother Harry.
Meanwhile, St Kilda free agent Jade Gresham is almost certain to declare that he wants to move to Essendon when free agency opens, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
The intrigue with Gresham will be over the size of the contracts terms offered by Essendon.
Essendon have been keen to exploit a rule on free agency compensation and use salary cap space to offer Gresham a contract bigger than he would ordinarily get to draw a first-round draft pick as compensation for St Kilda. Under the creative strategy, the Saints would then trade that compensation pick to Essendon for Dylan Shiel.
The net effect of that arrangement for Essendon would be that they get Gresham and an extra first-round draft pick. St Kilda would effectively get Shiel for Gresham.
While Gresham will end up going to Essendon as a free agent, there are doubts from both clubs about whether this broader strategy of Essendon’s to try to manufacture a first-round pick out of the deal and trade Shiel would work.
St Kilda see it as a good deal for Essendon and doubts the value for them. They are interested in Shiel but not at that price.
The likelihood is any interest in Shiel will be separated from Gresham, Essendon will offer a lower salary for Gresham and the Saints will keep whatever later compensation pick they get. Any conversation about a Shiel trade would be secondary.
Carlton’s Paddy Dow, who is returning to Australia ahead of the Blues’ best and fairest on Sunday night, is expected to make a call on his future early next week.
The Swans have shown interest in Dow, who had an improved season with the Blues in 2023 after breaking into the side in round 12 on the back of outstanding VFL form.
However, St Kilda, who have been interested in the 23-year-old throughout the season as they look to bolster their midfield depth, remain in the box seat to land him.
The Blues are also expecting an official trade request to come from Zac Fisher to join North Melbourne before the end of the week with the Kangaroos keen on the contracted Blue and Sydney’s Dylan Stephens.
Gold Coast have asked Elijah Hollands to explore his trade options with the contracted Suns’ midfielder linked to Carlton where his brother Ollie Hollands played this season. However, Gold Coast are yet to have an indication as to where he might play in 2024 and would be happy to retain him.
Mabior Chol is also yet to decide his next move with Adelaide expected to meet with him as he weighs up interest from North Melbourne and Hawthorn. Chol, who has two years remaining on his contract with the Suns, is hoping for a long-term deal at his next club.
An industry source who was not authorised to speak publicly due to the confidential nature of discussions confirmed the Hawks’ interest in the No.1 pick if West Coast were prepared to trade that selection.
Hawthorn holds pick three in the national draft but are aware this could become pick four if the Kangaroos receive a first round pick as compensation for losing free agent Ben McKay.
Clubs are aware that Port Adelaide midfielder Xavier Duursma could be open to a return to Victoria, although there is still plenty to play out as the midfielder remains a contracted player.
Port Adelaide have been adamant he was a required player however they may be open to trading him as they look to trade in Esava Ratugolea, Jordon Sweet and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher during the next fortnight.
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