Jonathon Patton on move from GWS to Hawthorn due to stacked Giants forward line
Jon Patton will be out to reignite his AFL career with Hawthorn next year after being squeezed out of GWS’ forward line by Coleman medallist Jeremy Cameron, Harry Himmelberg and Jeremy Finlayson.
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Jon Patton’s injury-ravaged journey at the Giants is officially over with the club to thrash out a deal with Hawthorn during the looming trade period.
The 26-year-old met with GWS officials during an exit interview yesterday and although he remains contracted for 2020, the Giants understand his desire to start afresh elsewhere.
The number one pick of the 2011 draft played 89 games in eight seasons but also suffered three ACL injuries. The most recent injury occurred in July 2018 during a training session and he hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since.
He was thought to be close to a return, at least at NEAFL level, in the closing weeks of the 2019 campaign but failed to make an appearance.
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With Patton off the books, it will give the Giants a boost in their push to convince Jeremy Cameron, Lachie Whitfield and Zac Williams to extend their respective stays at the club. All three are off contract in 2020.
“It’s been a tough road for Jon, particularly in recent times,” Giants general manager of football Wayne Campbell said.
“He’s shown remarkable resilience over his career through multiple setbacks and has continued to put his best foot forward in his rehabilitation.
“While Jon is contracted, we understand his want for a fresh start and will endeavour to do a deal with the Hawks once the trade period commences.”
Patton is contracted to the Giants for the 2020 season.
The player himself has stressed he has no beef with the Giants and with the form of Cameron, Harry Himmelberg and Jeremy Finlayson as the three talls, there was no guarantee of a starting spot.
“It is exciting if I can get there and start something new and fresh. I’ve been through a fair bit in my time up at the Giants,” Patton told AFL Trade Radio. “I love the club so much and I love everyone there. It is more of a decision for just genuine football. It has nothing to do with wanting to leave the Giants, it is more what I think is best for me going forward.”
The other big call the club still has to make is regarding the future of veteran Shane Mumford.
The 33-year-old made 20 appearances during the 2019 season but the Giants are poised to add 31-year-old ruckman Sam Jacobs to their squad following his decision to leave the Crows.
The club’s player reviews were scheduled to wrap up ahead of tonight’s Kevin Sheedy Medal, where the 2019 club champion will be announced.