Aaron Naughton leaves the field on a stretcher during the R7 match between the Western Bulldogs and Sydney at Marvel Stadium on April 23, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

SCANS have cleared Western Bulldogs forward Aaron Naughton of serious structural damage to his neck after a sickening fall during Thursday night's loss to Sydney.

The 26-year-old flew for a mark during the third term but landed on his head and lay motionless on the ground for several moments, before a stretcher took him from the field.

In a statement on Friday, the Bulldogs said Naughton had some muscle spasms and pain associated with the injury, but that there were no signs of concussion.

01:04

Sickening aerial landing sees star Dog dazed in ‘horrific’ moment

Aaron Naughton is stretchered off the ground after a frightening fall brings major concerns

Incredibly, the club has not yet ruled him out of next Friday's clash against Fremantle.

The injury-hit Dogs are already missing several key players, with Tim English (knee), Sam Darcy (ACL), James O'Donnell (hamstring), Tom Liberatore (concussion) and Rory Lobb (hamstring) all unavailable for Thursday's game.

POST-MATCH
Bulldog cleared of concussion after horror fall, Lobb hit with fresh setback

Coach Luke Beveridge said after the match that Lobb would miss up to a month with his injury.

English won't face the Dockers, with the Dogs remaining cautious around Liberatore after a history of head knocks.