Western Bulldogs miss star forward Aaron Naughton ahead of clash with Fremantle

The Western Bulldogs will travel to Perth to face the Fremantle Dockers without forward Aaron Naughton, who is being managed after recent soreness. The team sits seventh on the ladder and a loss could see them slip toward ninth, jeopardising their finals chances.

Fremantle enter the match boosted by the return of midfielder Hayden Young and the strong form of the midfield duo Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid. Reid, a second‑year player, has been praised for his versatility and is on track for an All‑Australian selection, while Bolton continues to post career‑high possession numbers. The Dockers are aiming to consolidate a top‑of‑the‑table position and extend their lead in the race for the minor premiership.