The Western Bulldogs rewarded Aaron Naughton with a massive eight-year contract extension which has already turned plenty of heads.
The mammoth deal, which was announced on Wednesday, will keep him at the Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2032.
Naughton, 23, was the subject of a big-money offer from at least one rival club but knocked back the overture in order to stay put with the Bulldogs.
SEN’s Tom Morris has provided some insight into clubs that were interested as well as the eye-watering offer from the Sydney Swans that the Western Australian rejected.
“Which clubs were keen on him most?,” Morris pondered on AFL Trade Radio.
“Collingwood had a little nibble. They weren’t massive on him, but they had a bit of a crack, they asked the question.
“Geelong were interested. The West Coast Eagles were interested.
“And the Sydney Swans were interested. My information is that the Sydney Swans offered upwards of $11 million across 10 years.
“It was put to me that it was $12 million and I’ve had that denied, but I do believe it was more than $11 million over 10 years that the Swans were prepared to offer.
“It would have been (the biggest contract ever).”
Morris was not prepared to speculate what sort of money Naughton is on at the Dogs, however, he is aware that is not similar to how the Swans paid Lance Franklin after he joined from Hawthorn.
He also provided some further tidbits surrounding the enormous contract.
“I know that the Dogs contract isn’t back-ended, so it’s not like they’re on the hook maybe like the Swans were for Buddy Franklin,” he added.
“I was told his management, Andrew McDougall, was keen to get this deal done for the best and fairest so the Dogs and he came together, and it was announced last night to loud applause.”
Additionally, Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains indicated at the club’s best and fairest night on Wednesday that there were several clubs offering exorbitant money for Naughton.
“I think most pleasingly for us is Aaron’s commitment to the club is reflective of the environment we have and his absolute confidence in where this club is headed,” Bains said.
“Particularly given some of the eye-watering numbers and 10-plus year deals he was being offered by other clubs.”
Naughton was under contract for 2024 and will now remain with the Dogs for the next nine seasons.