The Western Bulldogs are facing a nightmare scenario after star forward Aaron Naughton went down in agony against the Sydney Swans on Thursday night.
His right leg was trapped in a tackle by Lewis Melican early in the second quarter, with the 24-year-old quickly writhing in pain and grabbing his knee.
Melican remained by Naughton’s side while play continued for a brief time but a hush soon fell over Marvel Stadium.
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“That is not good,” Brian Taylor said in commentary on Channel 7.
“Still hasn’t got up, Naughton. It’s almost like he knew something, isn’t it? That is ugly.”
Naughton threw his mouthguard in anger.
“(He’s in) a lot of pain, worrying signs there,” Nicholson said.
Dale Thomas feared the “instant pain” was a sure sign that Naughton had damaged his ACL.
“Fingers crossed it isn’t what we all think it is,” he said.
The Bulldogs had already suffered an unwanted blow just minutes into the first quarter when Anthony Scott was substituted out with concussion.
More to come…
