One small step for the Giants, one giant leap for the AFL. That phrase was printed on the banner in Round 1 2012 when the GWS Giants ran up the race at ANZ Stadium in their first ever AFL game.

Fourteen of the 22 players in that side were teenagers, yet one player in particular was absent, and at that point in time, he may have been the Giants’ biggest coup yet.

Jonathan Patton wasn’t a feature in that game, missing the first 11 games in 2012 with patella tendonitis, but after two knee reconstructions thus far in his career, the former number-one pick could be the difference on Saturday afternoon.

Before August this year, it seemed as if Patton’s continual injury problems had hindered his career, as much to say the Giants’ first number-one draft pick would never reach the potential that his ability and body suggested.

He had kicked more than two goals on just three occasions, something Jeremy Cameron had done six times in 2012 alone.

Over the last two weeks however, Patton has emerged as a genuine threat up forward and the perfect wildcard for the Giants’ maiden finals campaign.

He kicked six goals against Fremantle in Round 22 and five more against North Melbourne a week later.

GWS’s other tall forwards, Cameron and Rory Lobb, managed a combined five goals in that same time span.

Jeremy Cameron. Photo: Getty.

Patton’s ascent has come at an ideal time on the verge of September action too. A date with Heath Grundy awaits, and if Patton can win or breakeven in the matchup, it could be the catalyst for a Giants win.

Must watch

Geelong v Hawthorn. It’s the Hulk Hogan v Andre the Giant of the modern football landscape under the Friday night lights.

The winner is one step closer to the big dance. Will another chapter be added to their coloured history?

Most at stake

North Melbourne, again.

If they can’t stay in the contest at Adelaide Oval, the curtain call for four champions of the game will seem a mere sideshow.

Will happen

GWS’ first ever final against Sydney at ANZ stadium will have a crowd attendance exceeding 50,000. Only one game at the same venue since 2008 has eclipsed the same mark which involved powerhouse Collingwood

Won’t happen

Andrew Swallow kicking against the wind if he wins the toss on Saturday night. We all remember the last time that happened at Adelaide Oval in an Elimination Final.

Just ask Richmond fans.

Andrew Swallow will be sure to not make the same mistake. Photo: Getty

One to watch

Jake Stringer. Exiled to the VFL a fortnight ago, the enigmatic forward could make or break the Bulldogs’ finals aspirations. But his renaissance in the AFL could be a difficult one against an in-form Eagles defence.

Trending

A Hawthorn win on Friday night would be Alastair Clarkson’s 17th win in finals competition, equalling Hall of Fame Legend Ron Barrassi on the all-time list.

Feeling the heat

Bulldogs’ goal kickers. A fortnight ago, the Bulldogs kicked 6.13 at Domain Stadium against the 4-18 Dockers, but could find it much more difficult against the Eagles on a bigger stage.

Will Jake Stringer straighten up the wayward Bulldogs? Photo: Getty

Pick me

Hugh McCluggage. He took out the TAC Cup’s highest honour, the Morrish Medal on Sunday night and could be the first player since Matthew Kreuzer to do the double and be taken with pick one in the same year.

The whisper

One breakout Crow will cash-in on a career-best campaign and seek a trade and bigger pay packet elsewhere.

Don’t set the IQ

For Sunday. Seriously, there’s no footy on Sunday for the first time in a long time.

Anthony Wingard also writes for www.footyprophet.com – football and fantasy analysis unravelled.