FORMER No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has entered the race for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star award.
The Greater Western Sydney big man catapulted himself into the running after a strong aerial display in the Giant's narrow loss to Geelong in round 18.
Patton hauled in a career-best nine marks and booted two goals from 15 possessions as GWS fell seven points short against the Cats.
It was a clear sign of big things to come from GWS and Patton, who becomes the Giants' 13th Rising Star nominee in less than three seasons.
"I think I was the only one that didn't (have a nomination)," Patton joked with AFL.com.au.
"It wasn't really on my mind at all. It's nice to be recognised, but you listen more to what people say behind closed doors and inside of the club."
With the weight of expectation attached to Patton, it's easy to forget he's only played 26 career games since he was taken with the first pick in the 2011 draft.
A ruptured ACL wrecked his 2013 campaign but he's finally getting continuity in his football and it's working wonders.
The 198cm Eastern Ranges product has booted 21 goals from 16 games this season and is averaging almost 12 disposals and five marks playing a variety of roles.
Patton is determined to settle in attack, though, and he believes there's room for himself, Jeremy Cameron and Tom Boyd in the same forward line.
"You rarely see any of us run into each other’s space," he said.
"Playing with 'Jezza' for most of the year I think we work well in terms of one staying up, one staying back and rotating that.
"I think it's definitely something that can work.
"We've just got to play games together really and have more pre-seasons together."
While there's mounting speculation about the Victorian trio's futures in Sydney, Patton said he has no plans to seek a return home to Victoria.
"I haven't really thought about coming home. I'm still contracted for next year anyway," he said.
"I love Sydney. It's a great place to live and I really enjoy being at the club."
And after enduring the tough times at GWS, Patton wants to be there when the wheel finally turns.
"I think we're going to be a pretty formidable side in a few years," he said.
"We were getting bullied in our first couple of years and that's not really happening any more.
"I think definitely next year – maybe getting a few older guys on the list – I think next year's going to be a big jump (forward) again.
"I don't think anyone wants to leave that, but of course there's going to be a few that have to go.
"A lot of the boys understand where we're at. I haven't experienced it but I guess there's nothing better than winning a premiership with your mates and that's the goal for us all."
Junior club: St Simons
TAC Cup: Eastern Ranges
Twitter: @TravKing_AFL
