JONATHON Patton from Rowville was today named the recipient of the 2010 AFL Life Members Scholarship.

As a result, Jonathon will receive a $5,000 educational grant from the AFL Life Members Association.

The AFL Life Members Scholarship was named after Alan Schwab and Jack Collins; both of whom contributed enormously to the AFL Life Members Association.

AFL National Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan said Jonathan was a well deserving winner of the 2010 AFL Life Members Scholarship.

“Jonathon was the ideal candidate for the scholarship; mobile, strong overhead and a very good kick, he is a team orientated player who has had an extremely promising year in 2010 and is aiming towards the AFL Draft in 2011.”

“At 195cm (nearly 6’ 5”) this 17 year old has all the qualities as a player and a person to be a success at the AFL level,” Mr Sheehan said.

Jonathon, a centre half forward with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup U18 competition in Victoria played 13 matches in 2010 averaging 14 disposals, seven marks and kicking 26 goals and 17 behinds for the season.

Jonathon was also an impressive member of the AIS/AFL Academy program in 2009/10 under Jason McCartney and has been mentored by Matthew Lloyd. 

Jonathon was presented with the Scholarship at a lunch today at the MCG.

Previous winners of the AFL Life Membership Scholarship include David Wirrpanda from the West Coast Eagles (also from Eastern Ranges in 1995), Luke Hodge (2000), Brett Deledio (2003), Joel Selwood (2005) and Tom Scully (2008).