CONTRACTED Greater Western Sydney key forward Jon Patton has confirmed the AFL's worst-kept secret, detailing his wish to play for Hawthorn next season.
AFL.com.au revealed the Hawks' interest in Patton in April, and now all that remains is for the Giants to work out a deal in the Telstra AFL Trade Period.
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Patton's manager, Robbie D'Orazio, of Connors Sports, suggested a third-round draft pick – similar to last year's deal for Tom Scully – might be enough to get the job done.
"Obviously, my career so far hasn't probably gone as planned, in terms of my injuries and that sort of stuff, so I just think (I need) a bit of a change, a bit of a freshen up," Patton told reporters.
"I love the Giants, I love the club. It's not that I necessarily want to leave there; I just think it's the best thing for myself and my career going forward (to go) to a club that's got an amazing history, amazing coach.
"I know a few of the players there really well, so if (a trade) happens, it'll be exciting."
Patton is close with Jaeger O'Meara and former GWS wingman Scully, who both joined Hawthorn from other clubs in recent seasons.
The 2011 No.1 draft pick has also met with four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson about the club's plans for him next year, playing alongside emerging forward Mitch Lewis.
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The Hawks' reputation for rebuilding injured players, such as Shaun Burgoyne, O'Meara and Scully, was a key factor in Patton's decision.
The 26-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear for the third time in his career midway through last year and sat out the entire 2019 season.
The latest of them was to Patton's left knee, after the previous two occurred on his right knee, but he's trained solidly for several months and will be ready for day one of pre-season.
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"I'm feeling the best I have in a long time, and I just think having this whole year off (was the right call)," Patton said.
"That was probably in the back of my mind when I was making the decision; just to get myself 100 per cent right for next year and hopefully for the next five to seven years.
"I know people might say I've had three recos, but I had two in my first three years, and I pretty much played four years in a row, then obviously hurt my other knee last year.
"It's about getting that knee completely right and I have full confidence in myself that I can get back to playing some really good footy."
