Aaron Naughton

Naughton was born in Frankston, Victoria to parents Gabby and Wayne Naughton, later moving with family to Langwarrin.^[3] He has an older brother, Travis, who played high-level junior football but ultimately went undrafted.^[3] At a young age, Naughton and his family moved to Rockingham, Western Australia.^[4][5] He was educated at Kolbe Catholic College,^[6] and played his junior football for the Rockingham Rams Football Club.^[7] 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.^[3] He played two under-18s matches in 2016, averaging 7.5 disposals and two marks, improving upon this in 2017, to average 14.8 disposals and 5.3 marks across four matches.^[8] 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.^[8] He then split his time between the Colts and Seniors in 2017, playing 7 matches in both divisions. He had his best game in the senior team in round 19 of the 2017 WAFL season, where he had 23 disposals and 11 marks.^[9] Naughton narrowly missed playing in the Thunder's premiership victory over Subiaco, with ex-Fremantle footballer Zac Dawson selected ahead of him.^[7]

Naughton was drafted by the Western Bulldogs with their first selection and the ninth overall pick at the 2017 national draft.^[10]

He made his debut in Round 1 of the 2018 season against Greater Western Sydney at UNSW Canberra Oval,^[11] an 82-point loss.^{[citation needed]} 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.^[12] 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.^[13] Naughton kicked a career-high six goals in the 12th round of the 2020 season against Adelaide.^{[citation needed]}

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.^[14] 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.^[15][16]

Naughton resides in Melbourne, with his girlfriend, fashion influencer Ella Morris;^[17] with whom he has been in a relationship with since 2023,^[18] and influencers and podcasters Steph and Holly Davey, the younger sisters of Collingwood AFLW footballer Bri Davey.^[19]

Updated to the end of round 19, 2026.^[20]