“The world has gone crazy,” pundits said after learning of Naughton’s massive Bulldogs deal.
The stunning contract extension of Western Bulldogs star Aaron Naughton has astonished the AFL community, especially in light of the frenzied trade rumors surrounding Clayton Oliver, who is also permanently linked to Melbourne.
On Wednesday night, Naughton and the Bulldogs stunned the Australian football league by announcing that the towering goalkicker had signed a massive eight-year contract extension that would keep him with the team through at least the conclusion of the 2032 campaign.
Naughton has now been a member of the Swans for the longest time of any player, surpassing Nick Blakey of Sydney, who earlier this year inked a seven-year contract extension that keeps him with the team through at least 2031.
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which includes a 37% salary increase for players over the following five seasons, was finalized by the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association in just a few weeks before to the extension.
Since being selected with Pick 9 in the 2017 draft, Naughton has scored 191 goals in 123 games. He described his decision to rejoin the Dogs as “a special moment… particularly for my family”.
“I want my teammates to know that I am in this with them, so I am signing a long-term contract and intend to stay here.” It’s incredibly thrilling to play with these players for years to come, Naughton said.
It’s great when you are picked by this team and they treat you so well—not just myself, but my entire family back in Washington as well. You form close bonds with each and every one of your colleagues, and I’ve made some of my closest friends here.
“I have high hopes for this group and what we may accomplish in the upcoming years. It’s a lot of work, but I know that this crew is ready to work hard each and every day.
Sam Power, the manager of the Bulldogs roster, called it “an exciting day for the club and our members and fans,” noting that the team was happy to sign Naughton for a long-term contract before the 2024 campaign.
According to Power, Aaron’s decision to resign is yet another impressive display of faith in the organization’s long-term goals and ethos.
“As the team tries to go back up the ladder, Aaron remains a key leader among the squad, setting the standard both on and off the field.
“At just 23 years old, we see Aaron as a big part of the Bulldogs’ future, and we’re thrilled our fans can watch him run out for years to come.”
On the other hand, the duration of Naughton’s term startled observers.
The call stunned legendary Port Adelaide player Warren Tredrea.
Tredrea commented on X, “Footy world has gone mad,” noting that despite Oliver’s seven-year, $7 million Melbourne contract, the Bulldogs’ massive extension was announced the same day a trade proposal including him gathered traction.
three-peat championship Tim Watson of Bomber noted out the irony of Naughton’s agreement in the midst of rumors around an Oliver move.
“If you immediately put Clayton Oliver next to that… Although his contract is set to expire in 2030, what are we talking about at this point? He is bound by a contract, although he could desire to violate it. Then, provided that both parties find it agreeable, that (a separation of methods) are still possible,” Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
