Western Bulldogs star Aaron Naughton has been concussed after a horrific fall late in the third quarter against the Sydney Swans on Thursday night. The key forward flew for a mark on a teammate’s stray set shot, reaching the ball first but tumbling over an onrushing Swans defender to land heavily on his head and neck.
Immediate Medical Response
Play was stopped immediately, and medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to the 26-year-old. Commentator Brian Taylor, speaking on Channel 7, described the incident as a “horrific landing” and said, “That is horrible, can’t bear to watch that. He will be lucky to escape damage here.” He added, “We don’t need to see any more replays of that, I think we’ve got it etched in our minds how bad that was.”
Positive Signs Amid Concern
Former player Nick Riewoldt noted that it appeared to be a good sign that Naughton was moving his legs. The forward was carefully lifted onto a stretcher and placed in a medicab with a neck brace. As he was taken away, he offered a thumbs-up to supporters, providing a small measure of reassurance.
Replays of the incident on the big screen “sucked the air out of the stadium,” according to reporter Mitch Cleary, as fans realised the severity of the collision. The Western Bulldogs will now monitor Naughton’s recovery under concussion protocols, with his availability for upcoming matches uncertain.
