WESTERN Bulldogs star Aaron Naughton will miss at least the next six weeks after undergoing surgery on a nasty ankle injury suffered in Thursday night's win against Sydney at the SCG. 

>> WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

He will be joined on the sidelines by fellow forward Sam Lloyd, who will have his broken collarbone surgically repaired. 

Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd with his arm in a sling after the win over the Swans. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

 

Naughton finished the 28-point win over Sydney in a moon boot and on crutches after limping from the ground following a nasty landing late in the first quarter.

The Dogs' injury troubles were then compounded early in the third quarter when Lloyd was ruled out with his collarbone injury. 

SWANS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

Naughton, who battled a knee complaint through pre-season, booted one goal before he was assisted from the ground.

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Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said post-match that Naughton would be sorely missed, given his strong start to the win over the Swans. 

"He started the game off in good fashion tonight, he looked really threatening.

"As we keep saying he's only a 20-year-old key forward who's going to be a very influential player over the journey."

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

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  • 07:31

    Bev on Bont mark: 'If you're not inspired by that, you never will be'

    Luke Beveridge believes Marcus Bontempelli's stunning back-with-the-flight mark should inspire his teammates

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  • 01:36

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    Marcus Bontempelli chimed in with a typically inspired performance against the Swans

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  • 05:51

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  • 00:41

    Priceless Papley mesmerising again

    Tom Papley continues to impress, snaring his fourth goal of the game in dazzling style

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  • 00:57

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    Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy notches a crucial goal in the final term to keep his side's hopes alive

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  • 00:30

    Fox and the hound, Dale in the book

    Bulldog Bailey Dale is reported after a late hit on Sydney's Robbie Fox

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  • 00:33

    Double Dog blow as another goes down

    The Bulldogs lose another forward as Sam Lloyd lands awkwardly on his shoulder

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  • 01:01

    Bont erupts in breathtaking second term

    Marcus Bontempelli is on fire, producing two sensational grabs and some fine kicking in front of goal

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  • 00:18

    Naughton's night ends early after ankle worry

    The Bulldogs suffer an unfortunate blow with Aaron Naughton forced to leave the game after injuring his ankle

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  • 00:28

    Bont wows everyone after back-with-flight stunner

    Marcus Bontempelli displays outstanding courage to haul in an amazing mark against Isaac Heeney

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  • 01:33

    Touching tribute for late Kennedy snr

    The Swans and Bulldogs pay tribute to AFL legend John Kennedy snr

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  • 01:35

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Lloyd was pushed by Swans opponent Aliir Aliir after a contest and injured himself while diving and bracing for contact.

00:33

Double Dog blow as another goes down

The Bulldogs lose another forward as Sam Lloyd lands awkwardly on his shoulder

Lloyd's injury could pave the way for the Dogs to recall Billy Gowers or Tory Dickson or hand a debut to first-round draftee Cody Weightman. The Dogs also have key talls Josh Schache, Ryan Gardner and Lewis Young waiting in the wings to replace Naughton's role. 

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