GWS forward Jonathon Patton has ruptured his ACL for the third time
JUST when GWS thought it was starting to regain key players from injury the club has been rocked, with confirmation Jonathon Patton has suffered a third ACL injury.
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JONATHON Patton will need a third knee reconstruction after the Giants worst fears were confirmed as scans showed a ruptured ACL.
Patton, 25, landed awkwardly on his left leg in a marking drill at training.
It is considered his “good” knee after reconstructions on his right leg in 2013 and 2014.
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Giants football boss Wayne Campbell said: “This is obviously devastating news for Jon who’s a much-loved figure at our club.
“He’s shown the resilience to fight back from serious injuries in the past and we’re confident this will once again be the case.
“He has the full support of everyone and I’m sure the wider football community, as he faces this next challenge.”
As well as the two previous knee reconstructions, Patton also had patella tendon surgery on his left knee - in Sweden - before the 2012 season.
The 2011 No.1 draft pick has played 86 games and kicked 125 goals for the Giants, including 12 games and 10 goals this season.
The injury is a major blow for the Giants, who are fighting to keep their season alive without Jeremy Cameron (suspended), Toby Greene (foot) and now Patton - who is contracted until 2020 - in attack.
Cameron still has four games of a five-game ban for striking to serve, with Patton only last week expressing his excitement at the opportunity of bearing the load in his teammate’s absence.
“When Jeremy was out last year with a hamstring injury I stepped up and played some really good football,” he said on SEN.
“Last year, especially the second half, I showed that when I’m up and going, I’m a pretty good key forward.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity that’s ahead of me. Not just myself, but the whole forward line, we all have to step up now.”
The Giants face West Coast in Perth on Sunday.
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Originally published as GWS forward Jonathon Patton has ruptured his ACL for the third time
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