GIANTS forwards coach Amon Buchanan beileves Jon Patton is in career-best form and will continue to improve.
The 198-cm power forward has kicked eight goals in his last two games and Buchanan told reporters in Launceston on Friday that the 24-year-old has clicked into gear after a few lean weeks before the bye.
“He was probably down a little bit but he has gone away and worked on his game, and now he’s reaping his rewards,” he said.
“His last two weeks have been up there with his best football, so hopefully he continues down that track.”
Patton’s four goal haul in last weekend’s draw with Geelong saw him push past 100 career goals, an achievement that seemed so far away in 2014 when he suffered the second season ending knee injury of his career.
“On the ground and in the air, he’s moving well and he has confidence in his body which is great for him,” Buchanan said.
“He’s gone through his injuries over his career and within the footy club he’s well-loved and has worked really hard to come back from those injuries.”
Injuries have been a much too common problem confronting the GIANTS this year, with the club’s injury list growing last weekend when debutant Jeremy Finlayson suffered a medial ligament strain.
Buchanan said the mounting injury toll has been a new challenge for the GIANTS’ coaching staff.
“It’s something pretty new for us as we didn’t have a lot of injuries last year and the last couple of years,” he said.
“We do get the opportunity for our kids to come in and play, but hopefully the cattle comes back in a couple of weeks.”
While the GIANTS’ injuries have been well documented, their rivals Hawthorn have also been hit with the injury bug.
Grant Birchall has been ruled out of Saturday afternoon’s clash at the University of Tasmania Stadium with a knee injury, while Premiership players Josh Gibson (Groin), James Frawley (Turf Toe) and Cyril Rioli (PCL) all remain on the sidelines.
Buchanan said the GIANTS won’t be underestimating a young and inexperienced Hawthorn outfit.
“It’s a little bit like our injuries, there are some opportunities for kids there,” Buchanan said.
“There are the Burtons and the Hardwicks who have come in and they’re coming in and playing with the old expierenced heads of Luke Hodge.
“They’ve got a good mix and they’re playing some good football.”
The GIANTS play Hawthorn at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday at 1.45pm EST.
