Hawthorn are set to lure another No.1 AFL draft pick away from GWS with key forward Jonathon Patton declaring he wants to be traded to the Hawks.
Patton, the first player selected at the 2011 draft, has played 89 games for the Giants but has undergone three knee reconstructions and didn’t feature at AFL level at all this year.
The contracted 26-year-old will join another former GWS star and top draft pick in Tom Scully if the clubs can do a deal for Patton at the trade period which starts on Monday.
“Hopefully I can make my way to Hawthorn … it’s exciting if I can get there and start something new, something fresh,” Patton told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday.
“I’ve been through a fair bit in my time at the Giants.
“I love the club so much, I love everyone there, it’s more of a decision (based on) genuine football (reasons).
“It has nothing to do with wanting to leave the Giants, it’s more about what I think is the best for me going forward.”
Patton’s injury history, and the Giants’ desire to offload his 2020 salary, will likely mean he gets to the Hawks at a bargain basement price in much the same way Scully did last year.
Eyebrows were raised when Hawthorn parted with just pick No.57 pick for Scully, who had become one of the league’s elite two-way runners across 152 games, but also came with the baggage of a serious ankle injury.
However, the Hawks’ vaunted medical team were able to get Scully up for 21 games this season, after their success in getting the best out of injury-prone former Gold Coast star Jaeger O’Meara.
“Their history of getting players right who have had some injury troubles in the past has been amazing,” Patton said.
“I’m very close with Sculls and the whole year we’ve been talking and texting and he’s been saying that their track record speaks for itself.
“I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t part of the reason.
“Hopefully they can get me right.”
Hawthorn currently hold picks 11, 30, 47, 84 and 89 at November’s national draft.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Having the big key forward is the difference between coming 4th and winning the flag. Pies and Lions dont have one, Eagles and Tigers do. If Patton kicks a couple goals a game for a few years he will be well worth the investment, it could be what takes the Hawks from 8-9 on the list to 3-5.. and being a real contender I dont like the word ''underatted'' but I think if you're in the market for a ready made full forward who is better??
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Ty Vickery ??
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
really,whatever
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Or you can lock yourself into being a middling team forever with too many mid age and veteran B graders.
Paul D
Roar Guru
He will be cheap as chips. Hawks mad not to take a punt on a former #1 draft pick at whatever knockdown price they get for him, even if they only get 1-2 seasons out of him it's probably worth it. Rare they get them wrong, last one that blew up was probably Dayle Garlett
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Hawkins does ok and agility isn't his strong suit. Personally I see Patton's versatility as a chop out ruckman and potentially a KPD as the reason for the Hawks' interest.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
very true
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
bulldust.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
what a silly coment,you can top up players,or wait 5 to 10 years to challenge for a flag like brisbane has done. rebuilding as you go is better.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
John patton will be a very good pick for hawthorn. A big powerful unit like him means forward line for the hawks will be another strong marking player,and to fill the void left by roughhead.
IAP
Guest
After 3 knee reconstructions you have to wonder about the agility of a bloke who wasn't very agile in the first place. He'd be a great pick up for the old days of leading straight turn around kick a goal type footy, but I can see him getting left behind in the current era.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Hawks proved all the naysayers wrong with O'Meara who has overcome injuries and been a really reliable player for them. Absolutely no reason why this can't work. Patton is a gun and will add potency to the Hawks improving forward line. Patton up forward, Frost in defence and a bloke named Mitchell in the middle . . . yeah I can see the Hawks finals bound in 2020.
josh
Guest
The anonymity gets to them after a while, they want the fame and being recognised on the street. You don't get that in Sydney
Raimond
Roar Guru
You are welcome to him. Quality forward, but lacks versatility & agility.
Winnie the Pooh (Emperor of China)
Guest
Good stuff Hawkers, keep recruiting duds. Shame, but the bloke is injury prone. You don't suddenly get over injuries like that. You are just not suited to AFL standard footy.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
People said the similar things about Scully and O'Meara. Hawks clearly know how to rehabilitate players that other clubs have given up on. And if they can pick them up for a bargain, it sounds like good list management to me.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
89 games in 7 years. Some decent seasons in 2016-17. Only 10 games last year, zero games this year. Will turn 27 in May. Overall career rating = meh.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
You clearly have never seen Patton play? Quite a bit better than meh!
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Hawks seem to think it’s still 2012 and they can top up with meh ok late 20s aged players to win premierships. Hate to break to them but they should have been rebuilding after 2016 not topping up with mid to late 20s B graders.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
If they can keep him on the park, he's a great replacement for Roughie.