BIO

The Partridge name was already known at Norwood when Peter turned out for the 1946 trial matches. An older brother, Archie “Snow” Partridge had previously played for the league and B Grade sides and was later to coach the B Grade and serve as a selector and committee man. He also survived to celebrate his 100th birthday.

At 178cm and weighing just over 76kg, Peter started and finished his career as a solid half back flanker.

Following the 1946 trials, he was selected in the B Grade training squad. A series of excellent games for the B’s earned him selection as reserve for the league in late May. An injury to regular defender, Giles, saw Peter promoted to the starting line-up.

For Peter Partridge this commenced a career that had him alternating between the league and B Grade sides. Over the next few years he provided excellent cover when regulars like Roberts and Edwards succumbed to injury.

His form in the B’s was consistently good and in 1952 won the B Grade Most Consistent Trophy. Over his career he was chosen to represent the State Association side in matches against the State Amateur League, the Port Lincoln Association and the Port Pirie League.

Peter was involved in a very controversial league game against West Adelaide on August 5th, 1951. Norwood narrowly won but a controversial goal umpiring decision occurred. Norwood were awarded a goal but after the game, even some Norwood players admitted the ball passed about 1 metre to the left of the goalpost. At game’s end, angry supporters headed towards the dressing rooms. A melee occurred between  a spectator and the West Adelaide follower, Cannon. To quote The Advertiser, “Norwood half back Partridge was almost knocked off his feet by the surging crowd which evidently wanted to miss nothing of the incident.” Fortunately, Peter lived to fight another day

B Ridge May 2019