Hawthorn expected to secure Jon Patton for late draft pick

Last year Hawthorn secured Tom Scully from GWS for pick 57. This year the Hawks are about to land another Giants No.1 draft pick. Will the deal be as generous?

GWS Giants forward Jonathon Patton takes a mark. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Hawthorn is expected to give up a third-round draft pick for Jon Patton, securing a second injury-prone former No.1 draft pick from GWS in as many years.

The Giants are happy to get Patton’s back-ended salary off their books to help free up cash for superstars Lachie Whitfield, Jeremy Cameron and Zac Williams, who all fall out of contract next year.

Last year the Hawks secured Tom Scully for a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, which is currently No.57.

Patton will cost slightly more but the Hawks are confident they can get his knees right after three reconstructions.

Recent punts on Scully, Jaeger O’Meara (Gold Coast) and Ryan Burton (draftee) have all worked out from a medical perspective.

It’s been widely reported that Patton returned to full health late in the season but decided against playing to ensure he didn’t suffer another serious injury, which would’ve jeopardised his move to the Hawks.

The deal is expected to benefit both parties given GWS will get Patton’s 2020 contract out of its salary cap and Patton will receive an extra season or two of security by heading to Waverley.

It is understood that Patton suffered early setbacks in his rehabilitation this year, while the knee injury teammate Stephen Coniglio suffered in Round 17 also weighed heavily on his mind.

Giant Jonathon Patton is headed to Hawthorn. Picture: Phil Hillyard

GWS officials are aware the Hawks have been interested in Patton for some time, but have not received an official trade request.

Patton, 26, will break his silence at Tuesday’s TAB Spring Racing Launch.

The Hawks have been on the lookout for a successor to retired full-forward Jarryd Roughead and threw the chequebook at free agent Tom Lynch last year.

The Hawks turned their attention to Patton after Lynch settled on Richmond.

Hawthorn holds picks 11, 30 and 47 but will not entertain swapping 11 or 30 for Patton.

They need to protect their draft points to help secure father-son Finn Maginness.

A bid is expected to come for the son of Scott Maginness in the second round.

GWS holds picks 12, 18 and 55 and will receive a compensation selection when free agent Adam Tomlinson signs at Melbourne.

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That is likely to be a second-round selection, which would be No.38.

The Giants also need to protect their points so they can match a bid for academy star Tom Green, who is rated in the top 10.

Green and his younger brothers, the grandsons of Richmond legend Michael Green, live in Canberra, which is in the GWS academy zone.

Either pick 47 or Hawthorn’s third-round pick in next year’s draft should get the Patton deal done, given GWS will not ask for the world for a player who has managed just 89 games in eight seasons.

Patton is keen to trim down to boost his athleticism and mobility next season.