Luke Partington’s debut for West Coast will bring a mixture of pain and happiness for his family
LUKE Partington’s debut for West Coast will bring a mixture emotions for his family and comes as an important celebration after a testing time of heartbreak and mourning.
LUKE Partington’s debut with West Coast on Sunday will bring a mixture of pain and happiness for the Partingtons and comes as an important celebration after a testing time of heartbreak and mourning.
Partington’s father, Brian, died in a mining accident at Roxby Downs in 2015, only months before the Tumby Bay and Norwood footballer was snapped up in the national draft by the Eagles.
Partington, 20, was left to grieve on his own in Western Australia while the rest of his family, headed by mother Amanda, tried to pick up the pieces in South Australia.
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The grief has brought them closer and helped them heal – as much as that is possible – and Amanda spoke of the joy Luke’s debut would bring. To the family, to Tumby Bay, to Norwood, to West Coast and to Brian, who they were certain will be watching.
“It’s been a tough time but he’s been really resilient and pushed on,” Amanda said. “He’s had lots of support which has been amazing; people are wonderful, including football clubs.
“Norwood was fantastic at the time and West Coast has been, too.
“It certainly will be a celebration. It will be sad in many ways that his dad’s not here to see it because he would be totally chuffed. But it will be exciting. He (Brian) will be watching from somewhere, absolutely.
“Apparently it (Tumby Bay) is full of excitement, Apparently a lot of supporters have been thinking that he should have been playing but obviously the people who matter haven’t seemed to think that.”
Luke and Amanda didn’t find out about his selection until Thursday, making preparations a bit of a rush for Amanda.
She was on her way to Adelaide for a seminar when she learned of the call-up and had to quickly alter her plan for the weekend.
“I was quite surprised; I only found out late Thursday night.
“Just before I went to Adelaide for a seminar. Luckily I had a bit of time to put a few extra things in my bag so that I could make my way to Perth for a few extra days.”
After the withering blow of losing Brian, Partington has impressed over in Perth.
He’s been averaging 27.4 disposals per game this season for East Perth in the WAFL and kicked 14 goals, leading to Eagles fans to call for the club to promote him.
Coach Adam Simpson has heard the rumblings but hoped there wouldn’t be too much pressure put on the debutant.
“He’s in his second year,” Simpson said. “He’s getting some good numbers, but there’s more to footy than just getting the ball.”
Amanda said the distance between Tumby Bay and Perth had been difficult.
But she couldn’t have asked more from the Eagles.
“It’s hard to have him so far away but he’s really happy and that’s the main thing,” Amanda said. “The club’s great and has really looked after him.