Just 97 days after tearing his ACL, young forward Jonny Patton took his first steps towards getting back on the field when he began running at Tom Wills Oval on Friday morning.

After a superb season that included 19 games, 25 goals and a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, Patton landed awkwardly during the GIANTS’ Round 21 win over Melbourne, injuring his right knee which was previously reconstructed in 2013.

Patton underwent a traditional knee reconstruction on August 26 and has spent the past three months, including his eight-week break, rehabilitating his knee.

After completing the walk-jog interval running program in sweltering conditions at Tom Wills Oval, Patton was pleased to take another step in his rehabilitation.

“It was just good to be out there and running out in the sun, it’s good to be out of the gym,” Patton said.

“So far so good, I’ve just been on the AlterG (anti-gravity treadmill) the last few weeks which has progressed me well into being out on the track. 

“I saw my surgeon after about eight weeks and he was really happy with it all and how it’s progressing so I’m seeing him in another month when I’m back in Melbourne for Christmas and I’ve got to tick the boxes with him before I start progressing.”

GIANTS Head of Sports Medicine Leroy Lobo said Patton was tracking a month ahead of schedule. 

“It’s been a 12-week process which is standard for your ACLs but Jonny’s doing really well, he’s tracking ahead of schedule,” Lobo said.

“Jonathon’s approach was fantastic last time but it’s even better this time. 

“He really impressed our knee surgeon who reviewed him around the eight-week mark and said he was almost four weeks ahead of schedule .... The surgeon also said it’s one of the best knees he’s ever seen come back.”

Lobo said Patton's attitude and dedication towards his recovery was overwhelmingly positive.

“Jonny spends a lot of time conditioning because he’s not running as much as the main group obviously as well as hours in the gym doing strength work,” he said.

“He’s very diligent with all of that and even Saturday, their day off, they’ve got a big session doing that here tomorrow as well.”

Patton was joined on the track by defender Tim Mohr who is recovering from his own ACL injury sustained in July.

“We’re pretty much on the same track, me and Tim, so it’s good to have someone to run with and in the gym as well when we’re doing all our rehab so you’re not so lonely,” Patton said.