Nineteen first year players from the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have attended the annual AFL Players’ Association induction camp in Melbourne.
The AFL’s newest club had by far the highest number of first year players at the camp which brought together young players from across all ?18 AFL clubs.
The camp is designed to help educate first year players about a range of off-field issues that affect t AFL players during the daily lives.
Among those attending the two day camp was the GIANTS’ number one draft pick, Jonathon Patton, who will fly to Sweden later this month for further treatment for his knee.
Patton has an appointment with a leading specialist on January 25 who will assess what further treatment, if any, is required for patella tendonitis in his left knee.
Patton is philosophical about the injury that will keep him out of the start of the AFL season. It is hoped he will be able to resume full-training in April and be available for selection in May.
He told the GIANTS website: "It’s frustrating not being able to train but it’s better to be cautious and get the best advice and treatment. I want to have a long career with the GIANTS so a? short time out of the game at this stage of my career is a small price to pay."
"While it’s disappointing to know I won’t be available for round one I couldn’t be happier with how the club has managed my injury which they were aware of when they drafted me."
GIANTS’ Sports Science Manager John Quinn said it was not an uncommon condition in young players and Patton has been on a modified training program since he joined the GIANTS and we have been monitored closely.
"We need to take a very cautious approach with Jonathon and do whatever is required to get his knee right," he said. "We took our number two draft pick Stephen Coniglio to Sweden last 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 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 fulfill his potential at the highest level."
