AFL 2021: Greater Western Sydney news ahead of Round 6

Five days after he announced his retirement, Jon Patton has been sighted at a training session at his former club. Here’s why.

Jon Patton turned up to Giants training on Thursday. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos

Jon Patton has made his first public appearance since his controversial retirement at a training session of his former club.

Patton was stood down by Hawthorn in January after being accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women and then announced his retirement on Friday following a stint in hospital.

The former GWS No.1 draft pick was an interested onlooker at Giants training on Wednesday where he caught up with some of his former teammates.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said the 27-year-old was “in a good space”.

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Jon Patton played 89 games for the Giants. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

“Clearly he’s had a tough time over the last few months,“ Cameron said.

“He’s put his hand up on some of the things he probably got wrong.

“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.”

Patton has no intention of playing football at any level in the foreseeable future as he works to rebuild his life after the scandal in which he was accused by at least four women of sending sexually explicit photos and videos.

He played 89 games for the Giants but was hampered by three knee reconstructions.

In 2019 he was traded to Hawthorn where he managed just six games.

Patton and Port Adelaide's Hamish Hartlett Picture: Sarah Reed

In a statement last week, Patton said had retired from football to focus on “my health, wellbeing, and future outside of the game”.

“The constant battle to overcome injuries since I entered the AFL 10 years ago has been relentless and, on many occasions, overwhelming,” he said.

“I also want to take this opportunity to apologise for my inappropriate behaviour towards women. Over the past few months, I have taken time to reflect on my mistakes.

“My actions were completely unacceptable, and I am truly sorry for any distress I have caused.

“I am committed to continuing to learn from my mistakes and actively make the necessary changes.

“I have very much appreciated the opportunities I have been given by both Hawthorn and the Giants and for the continued support I have received from countless teammates, staff and fans from both clubs.”