HP's Rookie Profiles: Jonathon Patton

[Justin Bieber]

Name: Jonathon Patton
Position: Key Forward
Age: 18
Height: 197cm
Weight: 96kg



Easily one of the best Key Forward prospects this season. He plays for the Eastern Ranges where he is known for his great marking abilities as well as his impact on the scoreboard more games than not. 31.21 this season in the TAC cup with 7 hauls of 3+ goals in 11 games so far. Combine that with the fact he is a marking machine and can take contested marks just as much as uncontested, he certainly seems as your typical Power Key Forward like Jonathon Brown.

The thing that plays into his favor is that his size is deceiving. Many may think he can only play one on one with his size but he can lead up well and work well on the low balls with his speed. His work rate around the ground is very exciting, especially for a big man. His endurance means he will be able to push up the field when required and gets a few tackles as well (First 7 games this season he managed 18 tackles which is pretty decent for a big man). This makes him quite the complete Forward Prospect in which GWS would be drooling to land as he's ready made for AFL level. His Tackling and Contested Marking should see him go well in SC which makes him even more tempting along with goalscoring ability.

Fantasy Relevant? Very much so considering the draft may not go as deep as many other years, especially for positions other than Midfielders and perhaps Ruck. Patton is likely to go top 2 to GWS which means he'll cost a little more. If GWS can recruit another ready made tall forward, it will certainly increase the chances of the influence of Patton on games if he wasn't to get the best defender every week. Nonetheless, looks to be a star and should fit nicely into the 6th/7th forward position.

P.S Copy and Pasted from the DT section as some only look in one section :).

[demon_spud]

Off to Sweden, won't play til May, has a knee condition from 2 years ago... read on:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/prized-no-1-draft-pick-jonathon-patton-to-sub-arctic-city-for-knee-fix/story-e6frf9jf-1226227138404

[Ziplock]

yeah heard about this through my contacts, but didn't have a link :P Out for first 5 weeks- it's not serious apparently, but since he's young and this season is written off anyway, no reason to push him when they don't have to.

[jasonweare]

Downgrade target at best I guess.