RECEIVING a call-up for Peel Thunder's tilt at back-to-back WAFL flags this Sunday would be a dream way for Aaron Naughton to cap a stellar draft year.
But even if the rangy defender can't force his way back into the line-up against powerhouse Subiaco and impress recruiters one more time, Naughton has done enough to show he could step straight into an AFL team next year.
"I can't see why not. He just needs to build a bit more of a body. Certainly he's got all the tools," Thunder coach Cam Shepherd told AFL.com.au.
"He's a natural footballer, so he knows how to read the play, he knows when to roll off, so there's a real future for him."
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Showcasing his composure and strong pair of hands, Naughton shot into first-round NAB AFL Draft calculations during the under-18 championships.
In his first year coaching the Sandgropers, former West Coast great Peter Sumich saw a prototype 194cm and 84kg backman with the attacking instincts demanded by clubs in search of the next intercept-marking star.
"He's very agile and a modern defender," Sumich said.
"He's got an uncanny style for kicking, but it's effective and he's done really well.
"His attitude towards it all is very professional.
"I think his core strength, that's what he needs, and once at an AFL club he'll get all that pretty quickly."
Naughton's consistency saw him named WA's MVP and picked at centre half-back in the All Australian team.
His post-championships goal was to play League football for the Thunder, and he debuted only two weeks later against West Coast-affiliate East Perth, taking on listed Eagles talls Fraser McInnes and Jonathan Giles.
In just his third senior WAFL appearance, Naughton racked up 23 disposals and hauled in 11 marks to be Peel's best player in a loss to Swan Districts.
The 17-year-old only lost his spot when Luke Ryan returned for the semi-final victory over Subiaco, and Naughton relished competing against men while rubbing shoulders with Dockers-listed teammates in his seven games.
"Sam Collins in defence has really helped me out," Naughton told AFL.com.au.
"It's a bit more structured, a bit more positioning than the Colts, that's probably the biggest thing to learn.
"Mainly you worry about your opponent first but I really like to run off and create.
"I put a fair bit of work in in the off-season in the gym, so I'm pretty confident I won't get overworked even playing League football.
"I'm pretty comfortable, but one thing I need to work on is my kicking."
Naughton has been playing under Fremantle recruiters' noses and the rebuilding Dockers could use depth in their key-position stocks.
But he has spoken to a range of AFL clubs, including Hawthorn, Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Carlton.
Originally from Victoria (his family moved to WA when he was 10), the Rockingham local is open to moving anywhere to chase his dream.
However, as a lifelong Collingwood supporter, the chance to play in the Magpies' defence alongside star Ben Reid would be a fairytale.
"I've always looked up to him in a way. He’s that tall, left-foot defender who takes intercept marks," Naughton said.
"It would be a dream to not only play AFL but to play for the club you barrack for would be pretty surreal.
"(But) anywhere would be fine for me. I'm happy just to play footy wherever."
