STRENGTHS:

+ Dare
+ Hurt factor
+ Line-breaking
+ Power
+ Speed
+ Tenacity

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Endurance
- Kicking consistency

Patterson's raw speed is what sets him apart, and it goes hand-in-hand with his attacking instincts. While he didn't compete at the National Draft Combine, he would likely have featured near the top in all power-based events given how impressively he passes the eye test. His fast feet are simply dazzling, allowing him to operate in explosive bursts and immediately put the opposition on the back foot - or, leave them in his wake.

Not only is Patterson quick in straight lines, but also laterally. He has a wicked side-step and loves dropping the shoulder to take on opponents, carrying the ball in incisive fashion. That daring approach invites pressure, but Patterson's athleticism often gets him out of tight spots. Even when caught or forced into an error, he backs himself to continually take risks in hopes of producing even more damaging passages of play.

Patterson's uncompromising method makes him a high impact-per-possession player. With thanks to his line-breaking ability, he often facilitates his side's ball movement from end-to-end and acts as a key connection piece. In Allies colours, he averaged 430 metres gained per match, looking to manufacture direct and effective passages to extract the maximum hurt factor. He likes to see the game in front of him, and attack it.

While his outside running is as good as it gets, Patterson possesses the power and tenacity to thrive in a wide variety of situations. He backs himself as a midfielder, where his ability to fend off and wear contact comes to the fore. Patterson's tackling is another strength and he tends to enjoy getting stuck into physical battles. As much was evident during his two AFL Academy outings against VFL opposition, where he stood out in that regard.

There is an underrated sense of versatility to Patterson's profile. He has played across half-back, on the wing, and in a midfield-forward rotation over the last three years, bringing his best traits to each role. Though, he is seeking to improve his endurance running and that will perhaps help him to slot into the middle third of the ground most effectively. He's a sprinter, but not a particularly big accumulator of possessions.

Patterson can also look to refine some of his decision making and skill execution. He often operates in a high gear, setting off immediately and playing on pure instinct. While you don't want to kill those instincts, winding them back a touch will help to level out the consistency in his disposal. In particular, he is capable of dual-sided and penetrative kicking, but can also be prone to spraying it on the run or when faced with pressure.