James “Pato” Patterson was recently named in the Center for the United States Australian Football League’s Team of the Decade.  The team was named under USFooty’s 50/50 rule with former AFL star John Ironmonger named in the forward pocket and former Collingwood and Brisbane player Cameron Trickey O’Brien named at Center Half Back.  Former Revolution stand out and Denver’s National Championship coach Tom Ellis was named on the back flank, while West Perth’s American imports Jarod and James Brunmeier were named on the wing and the forward flank respectively.

 

Pato played for Old Scotch in the Victorian A-Grade Amateurs before heading the US for work in the winter of 2001.  Pato found the New York Magpies online and quickly became a standout player for the team that dominated the Eastern Australian Football League with traditional rivals the Boston Demons.  In 2002 Pato became Head Coach taking the team to the North Eastern Australian Football League Grand Final which the Pies lost to the Demons.  Pato was named the league’s Best and Fairest as a player/coach.  From 2003 to 2004 Pato was assistant coach to former USFooty President and current Revolution Head Coach Rob Oliver.  In 2005, Pato headed back to Melbourne to work for DLA Philips Fox (Australian affiliate of DLA Piper).  He has since retired from footy and taken up marathon running – the highlight of which was competing in the 2006 New York Marathon.  

Pato was excited to be named in a team with such great company.  “I must say I was a little bit shocked given I had been away from the USAFL scene for a little while now (and I wasn't aware that a team was being out together), but it's nice to be remembered and to be considered along with those players named!  It's a pretty amazing feeling being named in a team which includes guys I used to watch on the TV growing up, such as Ironmonger and O'Brien, but its also great to see the younger American guys having an impact on the USAFL. Its also not surprising to see that those players named in the team have also been driving forces in helping to establish strong clubs that have been regularly in the mix at the Nationals. All lead by example on the field which no doubt carries on through their work at club level.  It would be interesting to see how we would stack up against a similar Canadian team - although from my perspective I'd like the game to be played circa 2005 rather than now!”

Up next for Pato is the Gold Coast Marathon in July.