The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS will send the club’s number one draft pick Jonathon Patton to Europe for treatment to his knee ahead of the 2012 AFL Premiership Season.

The GIANTS’ Sports Science Manager John Quinn said Patton would travel to Stockholm in January to visit a world leading specialist to receive further treatment for patellar tendinopathy in his left knee.

“Patellar tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee as it is also called, is not an uncommon condition in young players and something the club was aware of before it drafted Jonathon. As such, he has been on a modified training program since he joined the GIANTS and we have been monitoring him closely,” Quinn said.

Quinn said with the right treatment the club was confident Patton would be able to resume full training in early April and be available for selection in May.

“We want to ensure he receives the very best treatment possible and give him every opportunity to have a long career with the GIANTS.

“We need to take a very cautious approach with Jonathon and do whatever is required to get his knee right. We took our number two draft pick Stephen Coniglio to Sweden earlier this year to be assessed by the same specialist and he has responded positively and is on track to be available for selection for the start of the 2012 season.

“The club is aware that there are expectations of all draftees, particularly the number one pick, but we also believe Jonathon will be a 10-year player for the GIANTS and we want to give him every chance to achieve full fitness and fulfil his potential at the highest level.”