Ex-Hawk and Giant Jon Patton to move to Queensland after retiring from the AFL

After walking away from over $500,000 following his retirement from Hawthorn, Jon Patton has settled on the next chapter of his life.

Jonathon Patton retired from the AFL this year. Picture: AAP Images

Retired key forward Jon Patton will move to Queensland to start the next chapter of his life after walking away from over $500,000 at Hawthorn.

The former GWS and Hawthorn forward, 27, has no plans to again play football after a turbulent summer where he apologised for a sexting scandal that saw him sending unsolicited lewd images to women.

Patton said when he retired he wanted to focus on his “health, wellbeing and future outside of the game” after battling serious mental health issues in the wake of the scandal.

He escaped any AFL punishment over the episode, too unwell to even be interviewed by the AFL’s integrity team.

But if he did want to be re-registered to play football again at any level he would need to apply for reinstatement by the league.

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Jonathon Patton retired from footy earlier this year. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Elijah Taylor, who was sacked by Sydney for domestic violence against his girlfriend, was banned by the league from state and community footy until June 1 but can play reserves football from May 15.

Patton’s immediate concern is moving away from the footy bubble, where he will lean on an uncle who lives in Queensland.

While friends and confidantes were worried about his spiral as he battled the accusations, Patton visited the Giants headquarters two weeks ago.

Coach Leon Cameron said he had put his hand up to own his mistakes and seemed to be in improved spirits.

“He’s been a Giant for eight years. It’s great to see him, he’s in a good space and we wish him all the best in his next phase.

“Footy is only eight or 10 per cent of your life, and you want to make sure you have a fruitful life outside of footy.

“When he popped in you could see that smile on his face, and now he starts that journey without footy.”

His decision to move on with only a small settlement will open up another mid-season draft option for the Hawks and clear cap space next year.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said recently it was highly likely the Hawks would not play James Sicily (ACL) this year, which means they would have multiple spots open if they chose.