Leading player manager Paul Connors has moved to clear up talk surrounding Jonathon Patton.
SEN Time On host Sam McClure reported last night that the GWS forward has placed his AFL career on hold with a possible trade to Hawthorn on the cards.
Patton has recovered from a third knee reconstruction and is reportedly ready to play but is believed to be involved in a sort of “stand-off” with the Giants.
Not according to his manager, however.
“His housemate, Steve Coniglio, hurt his knee and that spooked him to no end,” Connors said on SEN Breakfast.
“He was probably ready four weeks ago but mentally that’s just as important as physically. That’s what Julian Feller (surgeon) would say to Jon and to us.
“There’s no stand-off. It’s a mutual discussion. About five weeks ago we were all getting excited that he was ready to play.
“He did pull up a bit sore a couple of times. Between everyone there’s good dialogue and they are all comfortable with where it sits. Then his housemate did the knee and that scared him.”
Connors insists that there is an understanding with Giants head of football Wayne Campbell regarding Patton’s stance.
“I think Wayne Campbell and the team have handled it superbly,” he added.
“He may get traded but he’s contracted to the footy club (until the end of 2020) and there’s every chance he could be there. The last thing Jon needs needs is to get injured again and we’ve seen that with a number of people coming back a bit early.
“I think it’s really well managed, to be fair.
“He’s got six months to get better physically, mentally, everything, coming back from what he’s come back from. He could also be at GWS so for both parties it’s a win. The last thing we need for him is to be hurt.
“I’m supportive of how they’ve both managed it.”
Regarding the possibility of a potential trade period move to the Hawks for Patton, Connors added: “He was the first draft pick with Steve Coniglio (in 2011).
“He loves Sydney, he loves the club, his relationship with (CEO) Dave Matthews is second to none.
“I see him ending up working for the club a bit like Jamie Charman did at Brisbane (in a coaching and business development role).
“It might be that their forward line is a bit packed and he might need an opportunity. He’ll look at that at the end of the year and he’s totally supportive of what the Giants are doing in the finals series.”
Asked if there was anything in place with Hawthorn.
“No deal, yet,” he concluded.