Greater Western Sydney have suffered a major blow ahead of their maiden AFL season, with No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton to be sidelined until May next year.
The Giants have confirmed Patton will travel to Stockholm in January for treatment on his left knee.
GWS's sports science manager John Quinn says the club is confident Patton will be able to resume full training in early April and should be available for selection in May.
"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," Quinn said in a statement.
This means the young key forward will miss the first five rounds at best, with the Giants slated to play Carlton in round six on May 6.
Patton will be treated by the same specialist that No.2 pick Stephen Coniglio saw prior to being taken in this year's draft by the Giants.
Quinn said GWS would take a long-term view while assessing Patton's recovery from the condition.
"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.
"We want to give him every chance to achieve full fitness and fulfil his potential at the highest level."
The Giants start their pre-season campaign with clashes against Collingwood and Western Bulldogs in Blacktown on February 18.
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