Gabriel Patterson Draws on Family Ties as He Prepares for AFL Draft

Gabriel Patterson, a forward from Glenelg, believes that his family's history in the AFL provides him with a significant advantage as he prepares for the upcoming draft. His father, Stephen, played for Collingwood, while his sister, Violet, is currently on the team's roster.

Patterson has benefited from the guidance of both family members, with his father emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in diet and sleep, and his sister sharing insights from her professional experience. Despite facing a shoulder injury that limited his performance this season, Patterson has shown resilience and adaptability, particularly during Glenelg's finals series.

Throughout the finals, he averaged 25 disposals, two goals, and five clearances, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Patterson has also focused on expanding his role beyond that of a small forward, having grown significantly in height over the past two years, which has allowed him to explore opportunities in midfield play.