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