Editor
The GWS Giants’ chances of making the 2018 AFL Finals have reportedly suffered a huge setback, after key forward Jonathon Patton reportedly suffered an ACL tear at training on Thursday.
The Giants – already without Jeremy Cameron following his five-week suspension – can ill-afford to lose their inaugural No. 1 draft pick, who’s already endured two knee reconstructions in his career.
Early reports have indicated, however, that Patton has injured his other knee in what was understood to be an awkward landing from an attempted mark.
He joins an already horror injury list, with Zac Williams (achilles), Tom Scully (ankle) all but finished for 2018, while Josh Kelly and Toby Greene have also suffered heavily interrupted campaigns.
That leaves Rory Lobb as likely the club’s only tall forward option for the next month, with crucial matches against the Eagles (away), Tigers (home), Power (away) to come in the next three weeks.
The Giants have won four in a row, but sit precariously in sixth position – just six points clear of 11th.
Wayne Campbell, GWS’ manager of football, said Patton had the “full support” of the club during this difficult time.
“The initial diagnosis for Jon doesn’t look positive however we’ll await the results of scans on Friday,” he said.