Patton set for NEAFL debut

After missing the pre-season due to surgery, Jonathan Patton will make his long awaited football debut for the GIANTS in round 5 of the NEAFL Eastern Conference, following his selection as the no. 1 draft pick in the 2011 NAB AFL draft.

All the focus may be on Patton’s performance but NEAFL Clubs will still have their eyes on the prize knowing how crucial every round is if they wish to play finals.

Round 4 results saw Queanbeyan maintain their undefeated start, The GIANTS and the Students chalked up their first wins of the season and Ainslie got their season back on track in the Grand Final re-match against the Swans reserves.

This week gives the Hills Eagles and Sydney Swans reserves have a chance to bounce back and Belconnen will be looking to atone for Good Friday’s draw with Tuggeranong.

Eastlake travel interstate to take on Northern Conference team Mt. Gravatt. Although the Vultures are winless in 2012, the Demons will have their work cut out for them if they hope to come away with the victory.

Sydney Hills Eagles square off against Belconnen, which is the NEAFL’s Match of The Round. The match will be streamed live, check out: www.neafl.com.au for all the details.

The Hills Eagles were disappointing last week against the GIANTS and Belconnen will be revved up and ready to go after a Good Friday draw and a bye last week. Fellow ex-AFL stars Matthew Lokan and Ryan Houlihan will make this game all the more interesting, with plenty of star power on show for both teams!

Sydney Swans reserves will be hoping to get their name back on the winner’s sheet after rare consecutive losses.

They face a Tuggeranong side unlucky not to be on eight points after a draw with Belconnen on Good Friday and a narrow two point defeat at the hands of the Sydney University Students.

There’ll be plenty of interest around the UWS GIANTS and Queanbeyan clash, with a host of young stars poised to square off for both teams.

The UWS GIANTS are set to unveil their number one pick from the 2011 NAB draft, with Jonathan Patton on track to play a lot earlier than expected following knee surgery earlier in the year.

Recruited from the Eastern Rangers in Victoria, Patton is noted for his exceptional work-rate, smart leading, strong hands and fantastic speed and endurance for a man of his size.

With comparisons to Wayne Carey and Jonathan Brown, big things are expected of Patton, who is set to be the linchpin of GWS’ assault on a maiden AFL premiership.

This will be a great test for the Tigers young squad, but with a half back line that includes former AFL player Jarrod Atkinson, Coach Kade Klemke and former VFL Star Josh Bryce Queanbeyan will be confident they will be able to stop Patton from dominating the game.

GIANTS fans, get to the game to see the AFL’s next superstar!

Full Match Details:

Mt Gravatt v Eastlake

Dittmer Park – 1:00pm, Saturday 21 April 2012

UWS GIANTS v Queanbeyan

BISP – 1:45pm, Saturday 21 April 2012

Hills Eagles v Belconnen

Bruce Purser – 2:00pm, Saturday 21 April 2012

Sydney Swans v Tuggeranong

SCG – 11:45am, Sunday 22 April 2012