Aaron Naughton

Aaron Naughton (born 30 November 1999) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). Standing at 195cm, Naughton is a key position player who is renowned for his strong marking skills and can play both in defence and attack.

He is known by Bulldogs fans as the "AstroNaught" due to his surname and for his large leaps to grasp outstanding high-flying marks.

Early years Naughton was born in Frankston, Victoria to parents Gabby and Wayne Naughton, later moving with family to Langwarrin. At a young age, Naughton and his family moved to Rockingham, Western Australia. He was educated at Kolbe Catholic College, and played his junior football for the Rockingham Rams Football Club. Following his time with the Rams, he played under-16s state football and then under-18s state football for Western Australia, catching the eye of draft scouts. He also played for Peel Thunder throughout the 2016 and 2017 seasons, in both the Colts and Senior divisions. He played 13 games for the Colts division in 2016, averaging 4 marks and 14 disposals a game. Naughton narrowly missed playing in the Thunder's premiership victory over Subiaco, with ex-Fremantle footballer Zac Dawson selected ahead of him.

He made his debut in Round 1 of the 2018 season against Greater Western Sydney at UNSW Canberra Oval, an 82-point loss. Naughton subsequently played 18 games in his debut season, finishing fourth in the club best-and-fairest count and winning the Chris Grant Best First Year Player Award. He also earned a Rising Star nomination for his performance against Richmond in Round 23. Naughton was moved into the forward line at the beginning of the 2019 season. The move was an immediate success, with Naughton kicking 32 goals in his second year. He led the AFL for contested marks at the conclusion of the 2019 season, reaching a total of 53. His contested marking was best on display in round 7 against Richmond, claiming nine contested marks; one shy of the AFL record. Naughton kicked a career-high six goals in the 12th round of the 2020 season against Adelaide.

Naughton had a career-best start to the 2021 season, kicking multiple goals in each game up to Round 9. He was named as one of the Bulldogs' best players in their narrow win over West Coast, kicking 3 goals, including the one which put them back in front in the final quarter. He then had his best game for the season in Round 9, kicking 4 goals to help his team secure the win over Port Adelaide.

Personal life Naughton resides in Melbourne, with his girlfriend, fashion influencer Ella Morris; with whom he has been in a relationship with since 2023, and influencers and podcasters Steph and Holly Davey, the younger sisters of Collingwood AFLW footballer Bri Davey.

Honours and achievements Individual 3 x Western Bulldogs leading goalkicker: 2022, 2023, 2025 AFL Rising Star nominee: 2018 22under22 team: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Chris Grant Best First Year Player Award: 2018 State of Origin (WA): 2026

Statistics Updated to the end of round 22, 2026.

186 !! 330 !! 209 !! 1366 !! 694 !! 2060 !! 922 !! 329 !! 1.8 !! 1.1 !! 7.3 !! 3.7 !! 11.1 !! 5.0 !! 1.8 !! 28