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AFL trade news: Aaron Naughton, Mitch Georgiades “very firmly” on radar of WA clubs

“Just watch that space all year.”

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

Western Bulldogs powerhouse forward Aaron Naughton and Port Adelaide's Mitch Georgiades are reportedly on Fremantle's radar.

Naughton and Georgiades, both products of Western Australia, are being actively scouted by the Dockers' football department, according to Channel 7's Ryan Daniels.

Naughton is contracted at the Western Bulldogs through to 2024, while Georgiades' Alberton deal is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Daniels, featuring on Triple M Perth, was adamant in his belief that football boss Peter Bell and his Dockers are eyeing Naughton and Georgiades as the season progresses.

"(Peter Bell) did say that the list is never finished, now, I know for a fact there [are] two names very firmly on [Fremantle's] radar, and I asked him about this, and of course, he can't say, but he kind of did," Daniels said.

"Aaron Naughton, Western Bulldogs star, [kicked] 50 goals last year, he's only 23, and Mitch Georgiades at Port Adelaide, man, I'm massive on this kid."

Daniels also threw in the West Coast Eagles as a potential Georgiades suitor.

"He's out of contract at the end of this year, Mitch Georgiades, West Coast and Fremantle are right into this kid," he said.

"If he plays more than a couple of games in the SANFL, the phone's going to be ringing hot [about a potential move], just watch that space all year.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Mitch Georgiades of Port Adelaide celebrates a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on May 08, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

"Now, Naughton's a bit different because he's under contract for this [year] and next, but, as we know, things change in footy, so, I have it on very good authority that, watch those two blokes, do not be surprised if one of them ends up in purple as soon as next year.

"There was a lot of very subtle noise about Naughton last year and [a move] never occurred, there was just an undercurrent, just watch that space."

During last year's trade period, the Dockers gained ruck-forward Luke Jackson from Melbourne, however, they lost key forward Rory Lobb to the Western Bulldogs off the back of a career year, creating a void in their forward line next to Matt Taberner and the emerging Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy.

While holding a preparatory eye to the next off-season, Fremantle is actively preparing for its 2023 campaign, beginning with practice-match jousts with Adelaide and Port Adelaide before rolling into its season-opener against St Kilda.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski