JONATHON Patton is still months away from a playing return following his third knee reconstruction, but when he does take the field later this year, expect a trimmed down version of the Greater Western Sydney power forward.
Patton's left knee buckled in a marking contest at training as the Giants prepared for their round 16 clash against West Coast in Perth and he underwent traditional ACL surgery, the same he'd gone through twice already with his right knee.
The 25-year-old admits he was in disbelief at the time and immediately knew his season was over, but given he was familiar with what his future looked like, he remained positive and attacked his rehabilitation.
Patton last week reached 30kmh while going through his rehab running – his previous best is 31kmh – and the Giant plans on breaking new ground by reducing the size of his hulking frame over the next couple of months.
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The Giants' first ever draft selection and No.1 pick in 2011 is listed at 101kg, and told AFL.com.au that his new physique will not only help his recovery but make him better suited to the modern game.
"We've got a weight we're aiming to reach by the time I start playing, and I haven't been that light since I began my AFL career," he said.
"The game has obviously changed a lot over the years with the running side of it, so my game won't be so much about crashing packs.
I've always been a good runner, but at a lighter weight I can take that to a new level, and when I do come back and play it'll help get up and down the ground.
"I'll be more dynamic with my feet and more agile, and obviously with my injury history the fewer kilos will help take the load of my legs.
"I just need to be a workhorse, whether it be forward or playing in the ruck, or even going back when the team needs me.
"I want to be agile and quick on my feet and some people might say that'll be hard to do after three knees, but I think I'll be fine."
Patton was as relaxed and positive as he's ever been when he detailed his plans to travel to Philadelphia in March to work with renowned sports rehabilitation specialist Bill Knowles, just as he did in 2015.
The trip will involve some testing gym sessions but will also be a refreshing break from the monotony of training in Sydney and give him a chance to get his NBA fix.
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"I'll be working hard, but it's a different environment, a different voice, and even though I'm training I'll get some down time," he said.
"By that time, I'll have been in rehab for about eight months, so it'll be something for me to look forward to before I start playing.
"Hopefully I can get to a few Sixers games and get courtside to watch Ben Simmons do his thing up close."
Patton has been joined in the rehab group in recent weeks by close mate and fellow forward Toby Greene, who is also tracking well in his recovery from ankle surgery, and both players have turned the corner, in a positive sign for GWS.
Greene has completed some searching running sessions over the past fortnight, while Patton looked strong in the Giants' 2km time trial after the Christmas break and is in fantastic physical condition.
"Toby's a really great trainer so it's good that we're both up and running and going well at the moment," he said.
"We push each other as hard as we can and it definitely makes it easier having a close mate alongside you."
