GWS forward Jonathon Patton is refusing to play at senior level or in the NEAFL despite returning to full training, according to SEN’s Time On host Sam McClure.
The former No.1 draft pick has recovered from a third knee reconstruction but has yet to feature for the Giants amid a likely trade to Hawthorn at season’s end.
Patton, 26, is contracted for 2020 on a back-ended three-year deal he signed in early 2017.
“Greater Western Sydney No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton it seems has placed his AFL career on hold pending what is a near certain trade to Hawthorn at the end of the season,” McClure told SEN’s Time On.
“We can tell you tonight that Patton has been absent from both senior and from NEAFL grade football for the last month, despite the fact that he has been training fully.
“We know that he’s coming back from a third knee reconstruction, he’s played 89 games in eight years, but he has been training fully and yet doesn’t want to play at either senior level or at NEAFL level.
“The Giants are aware of this and it’s an intriguing stand-off which is becoming increasingly difficult for the Giants to navigate.
"I think we can sit here and comfortably surmise that Jonno Patton has played his last game for Greater Western Sydney."
Patton’s potential departure would free up salary cap space to help the Giants re-sign the likes of Lachie Whitfield and Jeremy Cameron who are set to come out of contract at the end of next season.
Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio is yet to recommit beyond this year with Carlton and Hawthorn circling the gun midfielder.
Leon Cameron's side went goalless after half time in their back-to-back defeats to Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs.