GWS coach Leon Cameron has all but ruled a line through Jonathon Patton’s 2019 campaign, adding to speculation the spearhead could end up at a rival AFL club next season.
Patton hasn’t played at the top flight since round 15 last year after going down with an ACL injury that required him to have a third knee reconstruction.
Cameron said the 26-year-old, who is contracted at the Giants next year but has recently been linked to Hawthorn, would not recover in time to feature in the finals.
He said the knee reconstructions had left Patton, who has booted 130 goals in 89 games for the Giants, with some “mental demons” that affected his ability to compete without hesitation in marking contests.
“We’ve sort of backed off his training a little bit and hoping we can build it back up again, but he’s probably going to run out of time now,” the GWS coach said.
“It’s been a tough decision probably not to up the ante on some of those training drills, because of the space he’s been in and the past cards he’s been dealt.
“But I’m confident Jon Patton will get back and play some really good AFL football.”
Meanwhile, Cameron said the club had moved on from an incident which left Giants defender Nick Haynes with a fractured larynx when they played the Western Bulldogs last Sunday.
Marcus Bontempelli escaped suspension for the high hit and Cameron insisted their would be no ill feeling if the clubs met again in the finals series.
“It’s disappointing that he (Haynes) is not playing – that’s the main thing,” Cameron said.
“We’re really proud of his year and of how hard and tough he plays the game.”
Cameron was also philosophical about Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson confirming he had met with off contract defender Stephen Coniglio.
“It’s disappointing because you’re actually in season, but equally I think there’s pretty much no other way,” he said.
“Do you want your own players talking to someone else? Probably not. But you’ve got to be pretty naive to say all 18 clubs aren’t doing it.”
Cameron’s focus was on ensuring the sixth-placed Giants snap a two-game losing streak against cellar-dwelling Gold Coast after dropping games to the lower-ranked Bulldogs and Hawthorn by a combined 117 points.
Coleman Medal contender Jeremy Cameron’s 150th career game is another motivating factor for the Giants to stride into the finals with purpose.
Cat
Roar Guru
Cats will wait on Cameron next year ;) Good luck to Hawks with Patton.
Brian_K
Roar Rookie
I'm sure the beams deal would have taken up a bit of the cap space. A few players will be out at years end and a few will be upgraded. May be able to fit him in. I think the dogs would be taking a serious at the big guy. They could do with a big forward, and they have form re GWS. I'm not sure the hawks are too far off. They just need to play the pies every week and they are a shoe in.
Dean
Guest
I think the Pies are in the mix Brian and something you guys need. That missing piece of the puzzle. Not sure how he will fit into the Pies salary cap but l am assuming like the Hawks will have a few players hang up the boots after the finals. Totally agree, if a club can get this guy out on the park for a regular game than it will only make them better. The same reporter did say that when he was in Melbourne that he used the gym at Waverley and thought this was odd considering there were a few on the way. I know he is an Eastern suburbs boy and didn't live far from Waverley. I have my fingers crossed but everything is pure speculation atm, wouldn't be surprised if he did go to the Pies to give him a better chance of winning a premiership.
Brian_K
Roar Rookie
Being a pies supporter I would love to see them give him a crack. Though considering their poor performance on the injury and rehabilitation front over the past 10 years I would suggest he go elsewhere. Whoever gets him on the park as a regular player will surely benefit.
Dean
Guest
I am sure there are a few clubs interested but his knee issues would put a lot of recruiters off, Hawks have had a good run with getting players back regularly after horrific runs with injury and he might see that as a good opportunity. I did watch a video from a couple of the trade experts, l can't recall who actually said it but they believe that he has already packed his bags to Waverly and as close to a Hawks player as you can get without being at the club. Has visited the Hawks a few times. That was about a month ago so who knows but he was very adamant that he would be at Hawthorn next year. Be great to get him, they have suggested because of his knee injuries a 3rd or 4th rounder should get the job done and it would be great to have a genuine big forward to play alongside an emerging Lewis.
Brian_K
Roar Rookie
I don't understand why he is so heavily linked to the hawks. Why would no other team be looking at him and vise versa?
Jim
Guest
Leon Cameron is a man of principal and so I expect GWS will not been having conversations with any players from other clubs until the season has ended.
Slane
Guest
Forgot this bloke still plays footy.
Maxine
Guest
No surprise Bontempelli got off,the AFL doesn't suspend the big name players or those who might win the Brownlow.