Cody Weightman is joyful to share the limelight within the Western Bulldogs’ ahead line if it means them tasting AFL success.
And one of the simplest ways to make sure that occurs, the energetic small ahead says, is that if Aaron Naughton leads the assault.
The Bulldogs have confronted calls to maintain utilizing Naughton in defence after he stuffed in when Liam Jones and Tim O’Brien went down injured within the last-start win over North Melbourne.
Weightman benefited from being the focus in assault after halftime that day, ending with a career-best six objectives.
But he needs key goal Naughton, who has kicked 124 objectives over two-and-a-half seasons because the Dogs’ main goalkicker, again in his common place towards Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
“I’m pretty happy at his feet. He’s a good target for us and we like him forward,” Weightman mentioned.
“I love playing with Naughty, he’s pretty selfless as a player and he’s obviously an amazing athlete. I’m more than happy to have him forward.
“My private hope is that he is ahead with me but when (the backline) is the place he must be then I’m positive he’ll play an efficient position.”
The Bulldogs are dealing with a personnel crisis in defence with key backs Jones (broken arm) and O’Brien (hamstring) joining running pair Jason Johannisen and Ed Richards (both hamstring) on the sidelines.
Dogs coach Luke Beveridge has indicated it is more likely Ryan Gardner, Josh Bruce or rookie-listed James O’Donnell will be called up from the reserves, rather than Naughton being shifted back.
“We’re fortunate this yr that we’re actually stocked for key place gamers,” Weightman mentioned.
“There’s Josh Bruce, even James O’Donnell has impressed early with a few of his aerial stuff, and Gardy was (seventh within the) best-and-fairest for us final yr.
“We’ll have full confidence in whoever comes in to play that role but replacing a guy like Jonesy is going to be hard when he’s had a great year.”
Weightman booted half a dozen objectives for the primary time as he celebrated his 50-game milestone towards North Melbourne.
The Bulldogs had a bye the next week however the spring-heeled objective sneak wasn’t involved the break may halt his momentum.
“I got to soak it up for two weeks, so I was happy with it,” Weightman grinned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
