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AFL young gun victim of unprovoked US assault

Former No.1 draft pick Jon Patton was taken to hospital after he was the victim of an unprovoked assault while on holiday in the United States.

The GWS Giants said Patton was “struck on the side of the head” in Los Angeles by a local male who was later arrested by police.

GWS team-mate Tomas Bugg was with Patton at the time but avoided injury.

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A club statement released on Thursday afternoon read: “Greater Western Sydney Giants forward Jon Patton has been cleared of serious injury following an unprovoked assault in the United States overnight.

“The 22-year-old, who was in the company of team-mate Tomas Bugg, was struck on the side of the head outside a Los Angeles bar.

“Witnesses interviewed by Los Angeles Police have stated that Patton was the innocent victim of an unprovoked assault while LA Police have confirmed that a local male was arrested following the incident.

“Following the assault, Patton was taken to hospital with concussion.

“Subsequent scans have cleared him of any serious damage and he’s since been released from hospital.

“The club will continue to provide the necessary support for Jon while he remains abroad and upon his return to Australia.”

Patton, taken with the top pick of the 2011 draft, has played 32 games in an injury-interrupted career.

He has kicked 37 goals, 25 of which came in 2014, but he managed just three games this year after recovering from a knee problem.

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