Even as a baby Jon Patton cut an imposing figure.

The GIANTS forward, who now stands at an intimidating 197cm and 100kg, was always big for his age but interestingly his size didn’t correspond to confidence as a youngster.

“I was always big at school but being the youngest of three kids meant I was the baby in the family,” Patton said.

“Growing up I was a pretty shy kid who kept to myself a lot but as I got older I started to get a bit more confidence and put myself out there with people a bit more.

“Sport helped me make friendships and gave me more of a voice which I didn’t really have off the field.”

Patton, who has since become accustomed to the limelight, said he barracked for Melbourne as a kid.

He still has a signed photo of Russell Robertson taped to his bedroom wall at home in Rowville, Victoria. 

“Meeting 'Robbo' at a family day is probably my oldest footy memory,” he said.

“I should probably get mum to take the picture down though because it’s a bit embarrassing.”

The GIANTS selected Patton with their first overall selection in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.

Patton played his junior football with St Simons and Scoresby before joining the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup.

‘Before they were GIANTS’ is a series of stories that showcase the lives of GIANTS players before they became professional footballers.