Cody Weightman is happy to share the limelight in the Western Bulldogs' forward line if it means them tasting AFL success.
And the best way to ensure that happens, the energetic small forward says, is if Aaron Naughton leads the attack.
The Bulldogs have faced calls to keep using Naughton in defence after he filled in when Liam Jones and Tim O'Brien went down injured in the last-start win over North Melbourne.
Weightman benefited from being the focal point in attack after halftime that day, finishing with a career-best six goals.
But he wants key target Naughton, who has kicked 124 goals over two-and-a-half seasons as the Dogs' leading goalkicker, back in his usual position against 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 said.
"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 personal hope is that he's forward with me but if (the backline) is where he needs to be then I'm sure he'll play an effective role."
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 lucky this year that we're really stocked for key position players," Weightman said.
"There's Josh Bruce, even James O'Donnell has impressed early with some of his aerial stuff, and Gardy was (seventh in the) best-and-fairest for us last year.
"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 goals for the first time as he celebrated his 50-game milestone against North Melbourne.
The Bulldogs had a bye the following week but the spring-heeled goal sneak wasn't concerned the break might halt his momentum.
"I got to soak it up for two weeks, so I was happy with it," Weightman grinned.
