Patton reportedly sent lewd images to a woman over social media, with the Hawks addressing the matter with the injury-prone forward after becoming aware of the allegations.

"The allegations are of behaviour that does not reflect the values and standards of Hawthorn Football Club," Hawthorn said in a statement on Saturday.

"As soon as the club became aware of the allegations it addressed the matter with Patton directly and clearly communicated that any behaviour of this nature would not be tolerated.

"The club takes these allegations seriously and has referred the matter to Hawthorn's Integrity Committee.

"Hawthorn advocates for equality and respect for everyone and demands this same behaviour from all involved with the club."

Patton has endured a horror run on the injury front since being drafted by GWS with pick No.1 in the 2011 national draft.

The 27-year-old, who has undergone three knee reconstructions, played 89 games over eight injury-ravaged seasons at the Giants, before being traded to Hawthorn at the end of 2019 for a future fourth-round selection.

Patton played six games for the Hawks in a 2020 season where he suffered a hamstring injury and then later a torn plantaris tendon in his leg.

Next season is shaping up as somewhat of a make-or-break year for Patton, whose best year came in 2017 when he kicked 45 goals.

Australian Associated Press