FORMER GWS forward Jonathon Patton was an interested onlooker at the club's training session as he starts life after AFL, having apologised for inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Patton was stood down by his club Hawthorn in January, after being accused by at least four women of sending sexually explicit photos and videos of himself.

Patton had a stint in hospital to help manage his mental health then, last Friday, announced his retirement via a statement that was released by the Hawks.

The 27-year-old is yet to speak publicly since the scandal made headlines.

Patton's next steps are unclear, but he visited Sydney on Wednesday to catch up with former teammates and colleagues at the Giants.

Patton, who was the expansion club's No.1 pick during their inaugural draft back in 2011, watched the early stages of training then headed indoors at the club.

GWS coach Leon Cameron told reporters that Patton was "in a good space".

"Clearly he's had a tough time over the last couple of months, he's put his hand up about some of the things he probably got wrong," Cameron said.

"He's been a Giant for eight years.

"It's great to see him and we wish him all the best in his next phase. Because footy is only eight or 10 per cent of your life.

"You want to make sure you have a really fruitful life after you finish with footy. When he popped in today and saw some of the players, you could see that smile on his face."

Patton's 95-game career was stalled by three knee reconstructions he suffered while at GWS.

The Victorian was traded to the Hawks following the 2019 season.

"It's been an enormously complex situation and handled with real respect and dignity by all parties," Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said on Sunday.