Latest news with #AaronNaughton
News.com.au
11-08-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
WATCH AFL Round 22 Wrap: Hawks Statement & Clutch Freo
The AFL Today Show is here for all your Round 22 needs, wrapping up every single game with stats, banter and insights as Hawthorn & Fremantle have clutch wins, Aaron Naughton rises, West Coast put up a strong fight & the top eight begins to take shape!Is the Hokball style back? Which team can stop Freo in the clutch? Will Brisbane or Collingwood drop out of the top four? Who takes out the 2025 Rising Star? Did the panel overestimate the Crows? Should Carlton have re-signed Michael Voss? Is this the closest finals race in history? Who can make the top eight from here? The panel chat about the biggest AFL news, with Voss re-signing for Carlton, amazing moments, huge match-ups, plus highlighting the biggest & best moments, led by Isaac Heeney's five goals against Brisbane, continuing his great form, while Ben King & Lloyd Meek were influential in their respective matches, hitting the scoreboard in a big way! Get around the AFL Today Show with panelists Liam McAllion, Marcus Bazzano & Leo Mullaly as they talk out all things footy for the 2025 AFL season & look ahead to the finals campaign! FOLLOW AFL TODAY CONTENT The AFL Today Show is your ultimate footy companion, covering every single team equally and in depth! We break down each game and round of the 2025 season with three shows a week, expert tips, social posts galore, in-depth analysis, debates, interviews with players and top journalists, as well as plenty of banter—chatting about all the things that make AFL great! Two shows every week, including a round preview show and a round wrap on every game!
The Guardian
10-08-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Individual brilliance gets Bulldogs over line on a typical Beveridge-era day of AFL footy
With 10 minutes to go until the opening bounce of the Bulldogs' game against Melbourne, Luke Beveridge stalked the MCG boundary line, a man careful not to slip on a banana peel. He was more clenched and coiled than usual. He looked like he'd spent the last six months deadlifting trucks and moving magnets. He knew better than anyone how dangerous this game was. He'd seen Brisbane slip up the previous day. He'd seen Fremantle nearly throw away their season. He knew his own team's history of self-sabotaging in games like this. When Aaron Naughton kicked his fourth goal and his second in as many minutes in the third term, his coach was entitled to loosen up a little. The first half had been a dozy affair, with both sides just trundling along. But now Naughton was marking everything, Bailey Dale and Marcus Bontempelli had about a thousand touches between them and the Dogs had their foot on the throat. But there were little distress signals that all was not well. Their deficiencies are glaring. They're a poor intercepting team and struggle to score from turnovers. Their defensive zone is often sloppy. It only takes a couple of players to be a couple of metres out of place in the grid and the opposition can go to town on it. For about half an hour, every time the ball was in the air in their backline, they looked like conceding a mark, a free kick and a goal. Besides, the Demons are far from the worst team in the world. They annihilated West Coast a week ago and it's worth remembering how well they were playing against St Kilda until Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera went berserk. They had a locum coach, but they had nothing to lose, and they were suddenly playing like it. Ten points down at the final break, the Bulldogs were forced to go as deep down the well as they have in a long time. This was a crackerjack contest, a most welcome heartstopper after weeks of blowouts. Both sides were superb, but some individual brilliance dragged the Dogs across the line. It was Naughton, who booted five goals for the fourth time in six weeks. It was Joel Freijah, whose clever handballs and tap-ons directly set up three goals. It was Ed Richards, whose two goals both had a high degree of difficulty, and both helped his team regain the lead. And with all chips on the table, and just a few seconds left on the clock, it was Sam Darcy who hurled himself into oncoming traffic and pulled down the match saving mark. There's no wasted energy with Darcy. He doesn't get mad at himself. He doesn't bother with much push and shove. He misses a goal and just trots back to defend. Even when he did his knee, he didn't seem overly distraught. But with his team's season on the line, he summoned the urgency and the hide that the moment called for. All up, it was a typical Beveridge-era day at the football. They're one of the most potent teams we've seen in recent years. They're a terrific team to watch. They have half a dozen of the best and most exciting players in the league. They have been competitive in every game they've played this year. They have a percentage of 135. And they still probably won't make the eight. While all this was going on, one of the biggest upsets in decades was brewing in Perth, where the cellar-dwelling Eagles threatened but ultimately failed to roll the top team Adelaide. Heading into this weekend, the last time a bottom nine team had knocked off a finals contender was five weeks ago when Sydney beat Fremantle at the SCG. The Swans went in as favourites that day anyway. And they're the last team you'd want to be playing right now, with a depth of talent that belies their ladder position. On the weekend, they finally had a full list to choose from, a score to settle and a platform to launch their 2026 campaign. And they had Isaac Heeney, who even when he's green-gilled still looks like he should be playing in a bow tie. The Lions were wasteful, caught on the hop by Sydney's slingshot game and suddenly in danger of missing the double chance. But Chris Fagan has an optimism that's at odds with his careworn expression. 'I don't doubt this group in any way, shape or form,' he said. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion It's the sort of thing Ken Hinkley has been saying for more than a decade. It has been a lean year for Port Adelaide, but they're still one of those teams that can spring a major surprise every couple of months. With Hinkley and Travis Boak bowing out and Zak Butters scampering out the front of stoppages, they looked poised to sink Fremantle's season. The Dockers had never beaten them at the Adelaide Oval and were playing dreadfully. But Fremantle are dogged, well-conditioned and finally reliable in close finishes. The cartoon villainy of Patrick Voss and the exquisite skills of Murphy Reid were pivotal in the final term. And with scores level, the music stopping and the chair being hoiked from underneath them, captain Alex Pearce drifted forward. He resembles Reno Raines from the 90s late night TV show Renegade and he sometimes kicks like him. But the set play and the set shot were perfectly executed and the Dockers dodged another bullet. That final round game against the Bulldogs is going to be excruciating.
News.com.au
10-08-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Maligned star's white-hot form continues as Dogs survive game of the season
The Western Bulldogs have survived an almighty scare that could well have ended their finals aspirations, defeating a valiant Melbourne outfit by one goal on Sunday afternoon. In one of the games of the season, a six-goal spree from the Demons in the third quarter at one stage looked like leaving the Dogs' finals fate out of their hands — but Luke Beveridge's side rallied late to win 15.15 (105) to the Demons' 15.9 (99). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Star Aaron Naughton starred up forward again with his fourth bag of five goals or more in six weeks, including a critical final quarter major to give his side a mini buffer. Forward-turned-defender Daniel Turner snagged a goal with 52 seconds remaining to give the Demons a live chance of drawing the match, but a Sam Darcy mark back-with-the-flight all but sealed their fate. 'No one deserves to lose this match,' 1988 Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy said on Fox Footy inside the final minute. Laitham Vandermeer was concerningly taken from the ground after a heavy collision during the final quarter, leaving the Bulldogs vulnerable after already making their substitute before three-quarter time. DOGS AVOID ULTIMATE FINALS HEARTBREAK AS 'ALL-AUSTRALIAN'-BOUND STAR LEADS CHARGE If there was one round the Bulldogs didn't want to come up against a side whose coach had been sacked, it was this one. The record of such club's immediately after a changing of the guard is stark, leaving Luke Beveridge's side in some ways up against it before the first bounce was even had. It was a tussle between both sides across the first half, but the Bulldogs looked content in registering five more shots on goal than their opponents to hold a 10-point lead at the main break. The supremely stunning season of Ed Richards headlined the match early, as the 26-year-old once again put his name forward for higher honours. The defender-turned-midfielder blew the game apart on Sunday afternoon, amassing 20 disposals, eight score involvements, six clearances and 92 ranking points all before half time. 'The bloke that's led the charge right from the word 'go' has been Ed Richards — who's got to be an All-Australian this year,' 1988 Brownlow Medal winner Gerard Healy said to Fox Footy at half time. 'He's just been so clean. He had five clearances at quarter time … (and) absolutely makes the right decisions. 'He's turned himself (from) one of the best ground ball players in defensive 50, to one of the elite midfielders in the competition.' But after half time, Beveridge's Bulldogs were fronted with a wave of Melbourne's best free-flowing football — a brand that fans, and recently departed coach Simon Goodwin, have been crying out for most of this season. Incredibly, 21 of the match's 30 goals came after half time to speak to the change in style from both clubs. The Demons were able to force a 31-point turnaround in less than a quarter to turn the game — and the Dogs' finals hopes — on their head. But alas, the cool heads at Whitten Oval made sure their charge to September will last another week, with six final quarter goals enough to undo all of Melbourne's hard work. Veteran star Tom Liberatore finished the match with 24 disposals and 12 clearances, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli notched up 33 touches, seven inside 50s and 685 metres gained. 'PAYING DIVIDENDS': STAR'S WHITE-HOT RUN CONTINUES TO SEE DOGS HOME Jeremy Cameron has stolen the headlines this season up forward amid his race for 100 goals in a season, but the last six weeks was truly been all about Aaron Naughton. The Bulldogs key forward has gone berserk in the last six weeks, with his four-goal haul on Sunday afternoon taking his tally in the last six games to 29 — inclusive of three five-goal hauls and a career-best bag of seven. His meteoric rise in form coincides well with the return of Sam Darcy from injury, leaving Naughton playing on each side's second key defender; allowing him to expose the opposition both aerially and leading up at the ball carrier. "How did that not get paid?" Was Aaron Naughton unlucky here? ðŸ'° Watch #AFLDeesDogs on Ch.503 or stream on Kayo: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 10, 2025 'I'm just trying to get to as many contest as possible (and) work really hard,' Naughton told Fox Footy straight after the final siren. 'The more that you get to the footy, the more that things can happen. I'm just happy with the way that I'm finishing in front of goal now, I'm really confident with my routine and it's paying dividends. 'I knew I put in the work, so I knew it (my form) was going to change eventually.' Three-time Geelong premiership player Tom Hawkins added on Naughton post-game: 'His willingness to get involved in the contest ... it's the work he does off the ball.' 'For any young forward out there listening, that is wonderful advice for anyone coming through the ranks. He was a star today.' DEES DEFENDER DEALT TOUGH TASK... BUT STILL SHOWS PROMISING SIGNS In an era where star key defenders have been few and far between at the top level, Melbourne debutant Jed Adams drew plenty of praise amid a daunting task. Adams, who is at the back end of his third year on the Demons' list, had to bide his time in the VFL with Casey for 51 games before getting an opportunity at the top level. The 21-year-old was forced to runt he gauntlet straight away, at times playing on Aaron Naughton who ran amuck for his fourth bag in six weeks. But in between opponents, Adams showed promise aerially and one-on-one to hint at the next generation for Melbourne beyond Jake Lever and Steven May. 'Hasn't he started well! He hasn't had a lot of ball himself … but he looks comfortable. He's a big unit and looks mobile,' Gerard Healy said of Adams at the start of the third term. Tom Hawkins added: 'I like the way that he's backed himself in. Early on, we saw a nice one-on-one contest that he halved … he's been really impressive.'
News.com.au
31-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Pretty pathetic': Dark horse's brutal wake-up call after Dogs demolition
The Western Bulldogs' finals hopes remain well and truly alive heading into the final three weeks of the home-and-away season, with a first-half 'assassination' mauling GWS to win by 88 points. The hosts put up their highest opening half score for nearly four years, eventually winning 19.18 (132) over the Giants' 6.8 (44). FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Scarily, GWS' loss was their biggest in nearly six years — last usurped in the 2019 Grand Final against Richmond when they lost by 89 points. Once again, it was the dynamite duo of Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy who stole the show — kicking five each to take their collective tally across the last seven days to a mammoth 23 goals. It's the first time in 17 years a pair of players in the AFL had kicked five goals or more in back-to-back weeks. Dogs ruck Tim English was one of several other players to put in a monster shift against the 'Orange Tsunami', finishing with 20 disposals and 2.3 to well and truly beat direct opponent Kieran Briggs. South Australian Lachie McNeil kicked an equal career-best three goals also, while Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore combined for 17 clearances amid a clearance schlacking. 'They're just not invested at the moment the Giants,' two-time North Melbourne premiership player David King said early on. 'This is an assassination!' Fox Footy commentator Matt Hill said as Naughton slotted through the Dogs' 11th for the half, in a display St Kilda great Leigh Montagna labelled an 'exhibition' offensively. The win gives the Bulldogs' their ninth in 10 matchups against the Giants, having only lost once since the 2019 elimination final between the two sides. This was also comfortably GWS' biggest loss to their modern-day rivals, surpassing their 61-point loss also in 2019. Adam Kingsley's side were dearly missing their three players who made way from their side on Thursday night, with captain Toby Greene (suspension), Jack Buckley (calf) and Josh Kelly (calf) all missing the match. Notably, it was a big omission from each of their lines across the field. The 48 intercept possessions from the Giants was their lowest number in Adam Kingsley's 66 games as head coach of the club. Speaking on ABC Sport post-game, midfielder Tom Green said: 'Pretty pathetic. Anytime you get beat by 50 in the contest (contested ball)… we just haven't rocked up as a side… That's just not good enough by us.' The Bulldogs went into the clash unchanged for just the second time this year, and for the first time since Round 4. THE 3-2-1... (with Ben Cotton at Marvel Stadium) 3. RED-HOT DOGS 'CLAMP' ORANGE TSUNAMI AS GIANTS 'LOST THEIR WAY' It was billed as one of the games of the round between two sides similarly placed on the ladder contesting for a finals spot. But it was nothing short of a bloodbath. The Western Bulldogs put the Giants to the sword in a Marvel Stadium demolition on Thursday night, which, frankly felt over in the first quarter as the Dogs stacked on six goals. It set up for some sort of dominant first half from Luke Beveridge's side, leading 81-20 in the Dogs' second-biggest ever first half score under their coach, when the hosts did most of their damage. The Dogs also had their third-best ever opening half under Beveridge in score per inside 50 (68 per cent) and put up 53 points from their forward half as they were firing on all cylinders. 'They're not going to shy away from playing offensive football, they're going to push the envelope and take risks. It might backfire defensively, but this is how (Beveridge) wants his team to play,' Saints legend Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy at half-time. 'If they continue to play like this the last four weeks of the season, watch out come September.' Hawks champion Jason Dunstall also backed the Dogs doubling down on their offensive brand. 'A lot of people talk about who does defence better than the Dogs. Well, no one does offence better, so why not do what you do well better than everyone else does? And make it your number one strength and big weapon. It's what sets you apart,' Dunstall added. 'They're showing the Giants a clean set of heels. I don't know how many teams would've been able to stop them what they're doing. My goodness, they are on song tonight.' While the Dogs were gliding across the ground with maximum damage, the Giants at times couldn't even move the ball and were 'clamped,' as put by North Melbourne great David King. It was a hard watch at times as the Orange Tsunami was completely shut down, with the Giants in the first half having 22 chains from their defensive half for just five inside 50s. After such a strong seven-week stretch including six-straight wins to surge back into flag contention, the Giants regressed badly. Tigers legend Jack Riewoldt noted Adam Kingsley's side had 'lost their way' and had 'no system,' while King called it 'big brother v little brother stuff'. 'You can look at all the stats you want, this is nothing to do with anything but attitude,' the Kangaroos great said of GWS. 'They've been humbled at contest, they're stepping out the front of stoppage, the ball movement from the defensive end to the forward 50 with ease. 'This is a good old fashioned smacking and the coach will be livid. 'You just wonder, have they come to play tonight? Have they really been ready to roll? Were they ready for what the Dogs were going to offer?' 2. GIANTS FINALS SPOT 'VULNERABLE' IN KEY LADDER RAMIFICATIONS It was a key result with big ramifications on the top eight and race to finals in a good old fashioned eight-point game. It was particularly critical for the Giants in a massive percentage swing. The Dogs started the round with a percentage of 132.6 and climbed to 137.3, while the Giants dropped from 118.4 to 111.3 and now sit just a game inside the top eight. It comes with both these clubs among the sides jockeying for a spot in the top eight in one of the tightest roads to September we've seen. 'The Dogs don't have much of a worry with percentage. But what it will do is it tightens the gap with Fremantle on the table, it brings (GWS) down to well below Hawthorn,' Kangaroos legend David King said. 'It makes them really vulnerable now to make the eight given their percentage will be the lowest of that group. 'There's no guarantee of playing finals if you win 15 games, that's the reality. Percentage is going to play a huge part. When you look at the ladder, it's incredibly tight. 'The Giants have a lot to play for … they've dropped.' Tigers champion Jack Riewoldt added: 'Adam Kingsley and his coaching group would be aware of that, this is bigger than just the four points tonight. This is form, this is everything.' Whoever finishes ninth, which looks likely to be one of Hawthorn, GWS, Fremantle, Gold Coast or the Dogs, will be unlucky and might miss the finals with 15 wins. That would be extraordinary given no team has ever missed the top eight with 14 wins before. And GWS, who faces North Melbourne (Canberra), Gold Coast (away) and St Kilda (ENGIE Stadium) to finish its home and away campaign, did itself no favours on Thursday night given how important percentage will be in that race. Meanwhile the Dogs, who are back in the eight for now, meet Melbourne (MCG), West Coast and Fremantle (both Marvel Stadium) on their run home. 1. DOGS' 'TWO-HEADED MONSTER' GOES OFF It was the Aaron Naughton-Sam Darcy show at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night as the Dogs' 'two-headed monster' shined with five goals each. Darcy was on early with two of the first three goals of the night, while Naughton quickly joined in the fun with three of his goals during the Dogs' dominant second quarter blitz. You knew it was the Dogs' night when Naughton took a freakish one-handed, juggling mark, then drew a 50m penalty to extend the Dogs' lead to 64 points around 10 minutes out from half-time. Sam Darcy kicks the opener for the Bulldogs ðŸ'� You can watch with the alternate call in Hindi on channel 507 or on Kayo ðŸ'Š ðŸ'° Watch #AFLDogsGiants on Ch.504 or stream on Kayo: âœ�ï¸� BLOG ðŸ'¢ MATCH CENTRE — Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 31, 2025 'It looked early as if it would be Sam Darcy. Even Sam Taylor, the best defender in the competition, couldn't defend Darcy one-on-one,' Saints legend Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy at half-time. 'But when the attention started to go to Darcy, Naughton started to work himself into the game. '(Naughton is) just full of confidence now, his leading patterns are really good. Now we're seeing an evolution where he has some real forward craft about him. 'They've got the two-headed monster the Giants have no answers for.' Leek Aleer had his hands full in a tough night on Naughton, while Kangaroos legend David King noted he'd 'never seen Sam Taylor beaten like this' as he was constantly under the pump with the nightmare Darcy matchup. '(Taylor is) yet to have an intercept disposal, yet to win the ball back for his team. That is amazing,' King said during the third quarter. 'The size of this man (Darcy) has rendered Sam Taylor useless.'
News.com.au
08-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL round 9 St Kilda v Carlton: Live updates, news and SuperCoach scores
What kind of deal would you offer an unrestricted free agent named John Silva if that key back had already kept Aaron Naughton and Brody Mihocek goalless this season. If he was only 27 years old and had already shown his bone fides as a swingman capable of kicking goals or pinch-hitting in the ruck this season? If he kept the rampaging Patrick Dangerfield quiet in a statement win despite suffering a broken hand early in the game? And if his ball use was so punishing through the middle of the ground his teammates were pushing his All Australian credentials? In a market where Harry Perryman was worth $900,000 last year, he surely would be worth $600,000 or more. And yet that unsigned player isn't John Simpson. He instead carries the baggage of being saddled with the Silvagni name. Jack Silvagni is one of footy's best stories this year but also one of its most intriguing contract debates. His name has been a blessing – it helped smooth his path to Carlton as a father-son. But it has also meant unrealistic expectations given his father is the team of the century full-back who had the pace and explosiveness Jack lacks. To be blunt, he is lacks pace. And yet in a week where his asking price has been a talking point among AFL list managers, some have made clear that if he was not a third-generation Silvagni then rival clubs would have interest. It hasn't come yet, and potentially might not. So Silvagni will have to continue playing strong football for some time yet to get the kind of multi-year $600,000 contract at Carlton he would believe he deserves. He is the 52nd ranked player in the competition, has lost only two of 19 one on ones this year (to Naughton and Patrick Dangerfield) and is No. 1 ranked key defender on ratings points won through ball use. Even the goals he has conceded – three to Jeremy Cameron – mostly came through defensive breakdowns instead of one-on-one contests with Silvagni also keeping Harry Armstrong and Jack Darling goalless this year. But he also plays alongside footy's best defender in Jacob Weitering. Silvagni is said to be on the average AFL wage – around $450,000 to $500,000 – but estimates yesterday were that he should hope for a $600,000 contract if he keeps up this pace. Both Carlton and his management have been happy to assess his early-season form at the Blues coming off a knee reconstruction. A loyal and extremely popular member of this team who came through with draft alumni Jacob Weitering and Charlie Curnow, he's not keen to move. It doesn't mean he shouldn't try to maximise his worth given he and wife Grace now have a young son Charlie and this would be his big chance to cash in. That big contract isn't likely to happen at Carlton given an extremely tight cap that will only loosen up if Tom De Koning departs. Silvagni would actually make sense as a key back and second ruck if De Koning doesn't get to St Kilda. A loyal and extremely popular member of this team who came through with draft alumni Jacob Weitering and Charlie Curnow, he's not keen to move. It doesn't mean he shouldn't try to maximise his worth given he and wife Grace now have a young son Charlie and this would be his big chance to cash in. That isn't likely to happen at Carlton given an extremely tight cap that will only loosen up if Tom De Koning departs. But no one is knocking down his door, so the priority surely is to get him paid at Carlton rather than looking for an exit. A penny for father Steve's thoughts. He was turfed from the Blues as list boss in contentious circumstances but might also hope the 122-gamer might continue on in his proud tradition if he can do it at the right price. Credit to Silvagni for approaching coach Michael Voss to lock him down in defence, even if he has seemed the most dangerous forward at times when thrown forward against Richmond and Hawthorn. 'We had a conversation pre his knee injury to lock him down into a position,' he said. 'We never really landed anywhere pre that so on his return through discussion in the off season leading into the pre-season we discussed where he was best served. He can go forward, he's played in the ruck,' he said. 'He has embraced all those roles, and (it came) more from him to be fair. He said, 'I would love to have a crack at this role next to 'Weiters' (Jacob Weitering) and see if I can do it well'. 'So we gave him that responsibility through pre-season, he loved straight away what he was doing and already you could see his footy smarts and he's got that chip as a competitor who hates to lose.' Harry McKay was just as effusive after his role on Dangerfield and Cameron in that rousing MCG win two weeks ago. 'Mate, he's been amazing. I don't know who the AA (All Australian) selectors are. Every week he's not only getting a job done but he's generating offensive ball movement and he's been huge so I love playing with SOS. I have spent a lot of time with him and to be back out playing footy with a smile is fantastic to see.'
