South Australia, Norwood midfielder Luke Partington overcomes tragedy in draft year
THE name Luke Partington might not mean anything footy fans just yet, but it will soon be on the lips of every SuperCoach across the country.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE name Luke Partington might not mean anything footy fans just yet, but it will soon be on the lips of every SuperCoach across the country.
Partington is one of the best young midfielders in the 2015 draft crop and a genuine ball magnet.
He is averaging 103 ranking points per game in the Under 18 National Championships for South Australia and in the opening four fixtures the Norwood product averaged 28 possessions.
Only Victoria Metro’s Nick O’Kearney has won more of the footy in division one.
Partington was hesitant to elaborate on his biggest day at the office, but suspects the 50 barrier was under threat once or twice playing school footy.
Regardless, he’s not one to count possessions.
“I like to get the first one out early and I make sure I get that one and then after that I lose count and just focus on the game,” he told Fox Sports.
ODD FALCONS COUPLE THE PERFECT MATCH
What has talent experts most excited about the 182cm prospect is his ability to locate a target with the Sherrin once he inevitably gains possession.
“There’s no real point in getting it if you can’t use it, so I try and get as much of the footy as I can and use it as best I can,” he said.
“That’s probably the most important part of the game. Getting it and giving it to someone else.”
In pursuit of three consecutive national championships titles, South Australia’s form has been patchy, but Partington has been arguably his state’s most consistent performer.
“He’s got a real willingness to learn. I think his championships have been really solid on the back of giving himself the best opportunities,” AFL Academy assistant coach Brad Johnson said.
“The good thing about him is he is doing the basics really well and he’s playing his game perfectly, which is allowing him to get plenty of footy and use it well.
“He’s got good courage and when in tight he gets it off to his teammates easily. He’s got a good mix of inside and outside.”
Considering the year Partington has had to endure, his performances have been remarkable.
In February Partington’s father, Brian, was killed during a rock fall at Olympic Dam underground mine. He was just 47.
Brian Partington, a four-time premiership player at the Olympic Dam Football Club, remains a huge influence on Luke’s football journey.
“It’s definitely a huge motivation for me. I just keep going about my business and doing my best and do what I’d be doing anyway and keep moving on,” he said.
Returning to the field for the first time since his father’s death was tough, but footy has helped him pick up the pieces and move forward.
“It’s a massive outlet from everything else that’s happening in my life,” he said.
“Mentally I was very down. I found I couldn’t run so that was hard. I just had to work my way back into it and it took a few weeks before I found I was able to provide a four-quarter effort.
“I would often play a half of footy then be quiet for a half. Now I feel that I’m over that and able to play a consistent game of footy.”
Johnson described Partington’s ability to remain focused as “brilliant” and he won praise from Academy coach Brenton Sanderson for his resilience.
The 18-year-old is a Port Adelaide supporter but models his game on Collingwood premiership player Luke Ball and Fremantle’s Lachie Neale.
He played senior football for Tumby Bay on the Eyre Peninsula at just 14 years old and he has had no problems adjusting to the speed of the game at SANFL reserves level in three matches this year.
Partington hopes to crack his first senior SANFL game before the season is over and draft night arrives.
He looms as a likely end of first round — early second round pick, but needs to improve on his two-way running capacity.
“My defensive transition is probably my biggest my weakness and something I need to work on to get a League game at Norwood,” he admits.
South Australia wraps up its campaign against Victoria Metro on Wednesday, where Partington is likely to spend some time opposed to fellow AFL Academy graduate O’Kearney.
“It’s really good to compete against them and compare yourself to how you’re going with how they’re going. You can even learn from things they do.”
Originally published as South Australia, Norwood midfielder Luke Partington overcomes tragedy in draft year
Hall’s long-distance Gallen plan
Barry Hall has revealed how he plans to beat his shorter but more experienced opponent in their much-anticipated bout.
Hall gets kick from little masters
Andrew Moloney is the hot favourite to become Australia’s only current world boxing champion when he battles Brooklyn’s Elton Dharry on the same night that his mate Barry Hall fights Paul Gallen.