Jonathon Patton’s talent has never been questioned. 

But it has taken almost three years for the 2011 number one draft pick to overcome his injury woes and become a regular AFL footballer. And he couldn’t be happier.

“You take it for granted when you’re actually out here playing week-in week-out and I’ve gone through those tough days when you’re not playing for a whole year so I’m really excited,” Patton said.

“It’s been sort of a slow development this year sort of each game I’m doing a little bit more.”

After 10 games in his first two seasons, including seven in 2012 and just three last year, Patton has strung together 15 in a row for the first time in the AFL, and the first time in the last five years.

“Jon’s always known for the talent that he possesses but the pleasing thing for us has been the hard work that he’s put in, particularly this last pre-season, which has culminated in 15 games in a row,” said GIANTS senior assistant coach Alan McConnell.

“Jon hasn’t played more than 10 in a row for five years so you can’t improve if you’re not out on the paddock.

“We’re delighted with the fact that he’s able to get some continuity in his footy and we think that that’s becoming evident with what he displays on game day.”

After spending most of last season on the sidelines after doing his ACL in Round 3, Patton had an enormous off-season with the 21-year-old now making the most of his 198cm and 103kg frame, and not just up forward.

“It’s a level of confidence, his attack on the ball is getting a little bit better each week, his marking is becoming a little bit more one-touch than it was,” McConnell said.

“Until we put him in the ruck and played him behind the ball I think it was probably a bit too one-dimensional for him so this is another way for him to impose himself on the game. 

“It’s certainly been good for him to free himself up and run around find himself in some space in the back end of the ground. Actually he’s really excited by the opportunity to do some work in the centre square as well.”

Patton may not share the same enthusiasm his coach does about him spending time in the ruck, but he is clearly relishing the chance to make an impact all over the ground.

“It’s good to change it up, I think you do need different aspects to your game. I do like going back behind the ball, it adds another element ... And the ruck’s ok, I’m not a massive fan of the ruck but I don’t mind it,” he said with a wry smile. 

Another influence has been Hawthorn five-time premiership player Dermott Brereton as a specialist coach working with the forwards once a week.

“Dermie’s been awesome, he’s been up a couple of years back and he’s coming back most weeks now,” Patton said.

“It’s really good to have him and have someone with the knowledge of his game to be helping us out.”

“And we’ve got Al McConnell who is almost the father-figure of the forward line, he’s just a wealth of knowledge and he’s been around the game for so long so we’re very lucky to have those two guys.”

McConnell said Brereton’s influence had also been important.

“It’s a different set of eyes on the players, a different voice - the same messages but delivered in a different way - they’re all invaluable opportunities,” McConnell said.

“Dermott’s also an icon of the game so he has substance and is able to bring different things to the table.”

Averaging almost five marks and over a goal a game, the big forward still eligible for this year’s NAB AFL Rising Star award and McConnell can see Patton improving even more as the season continues.

“Coming from where he’s come from, the most important thing is to keep getting out on the paddock so it’s about making sure he looks after his preparation,” he said.

“As a result of that the flow will be some continued good form and probably, I expect, some improvement in his form.”