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    Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton announces AFL retirement

    The former Giant has called time after 95 senior games.

    Ben Cotton
    By
    Ben Cotton
    -
    FORMER EDITOR | April 16, 2021 - 3:23pm

    Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton has announced his retirement from the AFL.

    The Hawks on Friday afternoon confirmed in a statement Patton had called time on his career, saying it had been a difficult decision for all parties and asking for respect of the 27-year old's privacy moving forward.

    Patton was stood down from the club in January over allegations that he sent lewd messages on social media.

    He was then admitted to hospital to have assist in the management of his mental health.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Patton revealed the the decision to retire was made to prioritise his "health, wellbeing, and future" outside of footy.

    โ€œI have made the difficult decision to retire from football to focus on my health, wellbeing, and future outside of the game,โ€ Patton told hawthornfc.com.au.

    โ€œThe constant battle to overcome injuries since I entered the AFL 10 years ago has been relentless and, on many occasions, overwhelming. Whilst I have loved every minute of playing on the AFL stage, my enjoyment of the game has ultimately diminished. As such, I will not play football at any level this year.

    โ€œI also want to take this opportunity to apologise for my inappropriate behaviour towards women. Over the past few months, I have taken time to reflect on my mistakes. My actions were completely unacceptable, and I am truly sorry for any distress I have caused. I am committed to continuing to learn from my mistakes and actively make the necessary changes.

    โ€œI have very much appreciated the opportunities I have been given by both Hawthorn and the Giants and for the continued support I have received from countless teammates, staff and fans from both clubs.โ€

    SEE ALSO: Every VFL clubโ€™s 2021 team list

    CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jonathan Patton of the Giants celebrates kicking a goal during the round four AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Port Adelaide Power at UNSW Canberra Oval on April 15, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

    The former Pick 1 played 95 AFL games, including 89 for the Giants from 2012 to 2018.

    Patton moved to Hawthorn ahead of the 2019 season but only managed six appearances in the brown and gold due to injuries.

    He endured a horror run of injuries over his career, including three knee reconstructions and a number of other setbacks.

    "Hawthorn acknowledges that this has been a difficult period for all involved. The club supports Jonathonโ€™s decision as well as his commitment to learning from the past," the club statement reads.

    "The club asks that following this announcement Jonathonโ€™s privacy is respected."

    The AFL also released a statement on the matter, apologising for any distress Patton experienced in recent months.

    "The AFL has acknowledged the retirement of Jonathon Patton and his decision to withdraw from all levels of football in 2021 and his apology for the distress caused by his inappropriate behaviour towards women," the statement reads.

    "The AFL is committed to the respectful treatment of women and acknowledges Pattonโ€™s admission that his actions were unacceptable and accepts his commitment to learning from his mistakes.

    "The AFL Integrity Unit, which was investigating the behaviour under the Leagueโ€™s Respect and Responsibility policy, has informed the complainants of Pattonโ€™s decision to retire as an AFL footballer. "