Glenelg premiership hero Luke Partington to make his professional wrestling debut
Glenelg premiership hero Luke Partington is hoping to return to the AFL, but his path to draft day has taken a curious deviation.
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Magarey Medallist Luke Partington has had to wrestle with life as a university student challenged by the demands of the SANFL and a footballer trying to get back into the AFL system.
Since being delisted by West Coast last year, the classy onballer has climbed off the canvas to help drive the Tigers to premiership glory and give AFL clubs a not too subtle reminder of his talents.
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Now he is hoping to put a few moves on his opponents when he follows former AFL star Barry Hall into the ring. But while Hall will take on former NRL player Paul Gallen in a boxing fight in Melbourne on November 15, Partington is to make his debut as a professional wrestler.
In a decision which would surely have AFL recruiters scratching their heads, he has entered the 30 Man Riot City Rumble Match at Latvian Hall next Saturday night.
So Partington, wearing his Tigers jumper, will be among the 30 wrestlers in action in a contest described on Riot City Wrestling’s website as Australian wrestling’s most brutal mosh pit. The last man left in the ring wins.
The Tigers have cleared him to make his wresting debut, albeit without overwhelming enthusiasm. And while ‘why’ would be a popular question, to know Partington provides an understanding of his decision and may even be another reason to snap him up in the draft.
The midfielder is a genuine, good bloke raised in the country and he just wants to help out a mate.
“It will be just a little fun and I can help out a mate I grew up with at Tumby Bay who absolutely loves it,” Partington said. “I had a bit of a go in the gym the other day and it was good fun.
“It will be a little cameo and a one off I reckon. I’m not worried about getting hurt, I’ve made sure my little bit won’t be dangerous.
“I’ll get a little nervous next week, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll do a bit of practice so I’m all over it.”
Partington has spoken to a couple of AFL clubs, but acknowledged the uncertainty of the draft.
“The reality is it is all about the young fellas,” he said. “There is still a fair bit to play out yet.”