AFL: Aaron Naughton stars on opening night for the Western Bulldogs while Nathan Wilson watches on at Peel

Towering Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton lit up the AFL’s season opener on Wednesday night, but it wasn’t enough for his side to reverse last year’s grand final defeat to Melbourne. The Rockingham product kicked four goals and was easily the Bulldogs’ most dominant forward target, taking three marks inside 50. But a third-quarter surge, led by a rampant Christian Petracca, saw the Demons to a 14.13 (97) to 11.5 (71) victory as crowds flocked to the MCG for the first time in two years. Naughton’s first goal for the season came amid a flurry of majors for the Dogs. After conceding the first four of the night, Hayden Crozier and Cody Weightman goaled before Naughton kick-started his season with a running snap during a stunning blitz which would have them in front at half-time. His second goal gave his side the lead for the first time later in the second term and he would kick another just moments later. His fourth major of the night came as the Dogs started the final quarter with one last burst but were unable to run down the Demons. The responsibility of leading a forward-line well into its premiership window will again fall on Naughton this season. With Josh Bruce’s ACL injury likely to keep him out for the length of the season, Naughton and Josh Schache will play as the two key forwards. Former number one draft pick, emerging forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, was listed as the Bulldogs’ medical substitute but was not required. The season’s opening night was dominated by an off-field narrative however, with Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge launching a bizarre tirade at former Fox Footy journalist Tom Morris during his post-match press conference. Fellow Peel product Nathan Wilson was left out of the Fremantle Dockers team that beat Adelaide by one-point in a thrilling finish. Wilson watched on as Peel faced West Perth in a pre-season tune-up in Mandurah. Fremantle’s young rebounding defenders performed well against the Crows, with new recruit Jordan Clark starring in the position Wilson could otherwise occupy. Heath Chapman, who made a dramatic match-winning spoil, and Hayden Young were also solid. It is the same defender surplus that kept Harvey product Ethan Hughes out of the side and saw Donnybrook’s Tobe Watson lose his spot on the list. Pinjarra product and Richmond premiership player Kamdyn McIntosh is still recovering from a pre-season and is on the club’s short-term injury list.