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.
Raimond
Roar Guru
The problem is that different penalties are doled out for identical offences.
Paul D
Roar Guru
No that’s totally wrong Dal. The end result could have been anything. Cameron wasn’t looking, he could have hit Andrews anywhere and maybe it would have been less severe. What is not in dispute in my view - and the view of the MRP was the intent behind Cameron’s action, something you are unable to suggest any alternative explanation for
Cat
Roar Guru
What other conclusion can you reasonable draw when it was obvious he had no desire for the ball (eyes weren't on it, hands didn't reach for it etc.)? Why would he raise an elbow? What purpose could it possibly serve other than to hurt the opposition? If he gave up on the ball and was 'bracing himself' he wouldn't have stuck the elbow out, he would have tucked it in.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Ironically you're admitting to being a dreadful judge of human movement by thinking the end result could only be because it was intentional.
Paul D
Roar Guru
That's alright - I'd rather be accused of bias than admit to being such a dreadful judge of human movement as to think someone leaping towards another player with their head turned, elbow extended and elevated is apparently unintentional I'd be embarrassed to claim that "objectively", that wasn't deliberate. I'd make the same case if it was Alex Pearce he leapt into as well.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I would expect nothing more from you Paul.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Seems like Jeremy has made this thread all about himself too, despite the sad news about The General...again.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Objectively speaking no there wasn’t. Absolute balderdash Dal
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Why would that benefit anything? Plus you're basing something on a person's physical fortitude and there's, objectively speaking, plenty of doubt as to whether that was intentional.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Honestly I just thought he needed to get a worse sentence than Bugg. There have only been 3 severe intentional acts to the head since the current grading system was implemented Vickery on Cox - 4 weeks Bugg on Mills - 6 weeks Cameron on Andrews - 5 weeks To hell with excuses or circumstances. He deliberately made severe contact with a players head and caused bleeding inside his brain. Motive is all that matters. Should have been 8 weeks, the next person dumb enough to do it should have gotten 10. Just keep bumping it up every time someone has a brain fade every few years and remind people this is never ever to happen in our game. It has no place
Cat
Roar Guru
In one case a player actuallly misses game time and in the other doesn’t. I don’t see the issue.
Raimond
Roar Guru
The problem with this idea is that someone who's clobbered in the final Round, or Grand Final, will be ready to play by next season in nearly all situations, even if they spent a month in hospital after being hit. Players would suffer a harsher penalty the earlier in the season they offend, creating a multi-tiered judicial system.
Cat
Roar Guru
I think for acts graded as intentional suspensions should be what the MRO/Tribunal give PLUS however long their victim misses. No way should victims miss more time then the perpetrators.
User
Roar Rookie
Don't want to see blokes injured but its extremely helpful for wce.
Mungo
Guest
Giants draw an average NRL crowd for Sydney...
Paul D
Roar Guru
Feel sorry for Patton but not for GWS I hope they miss the 8 and it’s all the fault of Cameron. Petty I know but the man is an absolute thug and needs to feel worse than just the slap on the wrist the afl gave him At this rate he will be back playing before Andrews anyway
Cat
Roar Guru
If you add up all the people butt hurt by their existence, such as yourself, than they are closing in on Collingwood territory.
Aligee
Roar Rookie
Weak
Franko
Guest
They've got more injuries than paid members, what a shame.
Cat
Roar Guru
Not what Patton or GWS needed with Cameron on the sidelines for his ill discipline.