GREATER Western Sydney's worst fears have been confirmed with scans revealing star forward Jonathon Patton needs a third knee reconstruction.
Patton hurt his left knee at training on Thursday and the Giants confirmed on Friday the 25-year-old had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
The injury is likely to put him out of action for about 12 months and comes as a major blow to the seventh-placed Giants' finals hopes.
"This is obviously devastating news for Jon who's a much-loved figure at our club," Giants football boss Wayne Campbell said.
"He's shown the resilience to fight back from serious injuries in the past and we're confident this will once again be the case.
"He has the full support of everyone at the Giants, and I'm sure the wider football community, as he faces this next challenge."
A foundation GWS player, Patton has played 89 senior games.
The former No.1 draft pick needed reconstructions in 2013 and 2014 after ACL injuries in his right knee.
He also needed surgery to fix a patella tendon problem in his left knee before the 2012 season.
Patton's injury leaves the Giants without their top four goalkickers from last season ahead of Sunday's trip to Perth to face third-placed West Coast.
Players look on as Jon Patton goes down at training: Picture: GWSGiants.com.au
Toby Greene is yet to return from a long-term foot injury, Jeremy Cameron has another four games to serve of his suspension and Steve Johnson has retired.
Patton hurt his left knee in a ruck contest during last weekend's win over Hawthorn, but played out the match and kicked the match-sealing goal.
The Giants are on a four-game winning streak but are in the midst of a season-defining block of games against other top-eight teams.
They beat Hawthorn last week and after the Eagles they host reigning premiers Richmond, before another road trip against Port Adelaide.
West Coast's attack also is well below strength, with Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras all injured. Liam Ryan is also unavailable after he crashed his car into a tree during the week."
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