Western Bulldogs announce MONSTER extension for big star

The Western Bulldogs have announced a new contract extension with key striker Aaron Naughton for eight years, locking him in at the Kennel until the end of the 2032 season.

The club announced the major retention signing on Wednesday night, with the West Australian the first of several key signings the Dogs will make over the next 12 months.

Naughton said his decision was a “special moment” and he looked forward to the future in blue, white and red.

“This is a special moment for me to sign, especially for my family,” Naughton said.

“Signing a long-term contract and staying here, especially with my team-mates, I want them to know that I’m in the same boat as them. Playing alongside these guys over the coming years is really exciting.

“When you get drafted by this club and they make you feel welcome, not just me but the whole Washington family, it’s amazing. You build strong bonds with all your teammates and I have some of my closest friends here.

“I am optimistic about this group and what we can achieve in the coming years. It’s hard work and I know this team is willing to put in the effort every day.

Naughton has played 123 games for the Bulldogs since making his debut in 2018, scoring a total of 191 goals to lead the club in scoring over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old is the Dogs’ first major retention move ahead of a crucial year for the club’s list management team, as Tim English, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Bailey Smith, among others others, terminate their contracts in 2024.

Bulldogs manager Sam Power expressed his delight at Naughton’s decision to re-sign on a long-term contract.

“Aaron is an outstanding player and an exceptional person and there is no doubt that this is an exciting day for the club, our members and our fans,” Power said.

“We love what Aaron brings to this football club every day, so it’s fantastic that we can agree a long-term contract extension before the start of 2024, along with manager Andrew McDougall of Corporate Sports Australia.

“Aaron’s re-signing is another strong demonstration of confidence in the Club’s long-term ambitions and culture. “Aaron continues to be an important leader within the group, setting standards on and off the field as the club seeks promotion.

“We see Aaron as an important part of the Bulldogs’ future, as he is only 23 years old, and we are excited for our fans to be able to watch him wear out for many next year.”

Joining the club via the 2017 National Draft, Naughton’s contract will take him into his 15th year with the club when it expires.

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Western Bulldogs winger Bailey Williams has re-committed to Kennel for a further four seasons, extending his service with the blue, white and red until the end of 2027.

The 25-year-old will now extend his Bulldog career to 12 years, having first arrived at Whitten Oval in the 2015 national competition.

Williams would play six games in his first year with the club as the Bulldogs ended their premiership drought, and he would double that the following season when he wanted playing a role under senior coach Luke Beveridge. By 2020, Williams would be a fixture in the Dogs’ senior team, playing at 18 that year before reaching the finals a season later.

From 2021 to 2023, Williams will play at least 22 games per season as a utility option who can contribute on all three lines of the infield.

This season, Williams was able to exercise his right