The Penrith Rams are saddened to report the passing of Life Member Alan Luke at the age of 68.
"Big Al" played 207 games for the Rams. He made his debut in 1984 at the age of 37, when most players have retired from the game, and played until the grand age of 51.
In his final season, 1998, he played his 200th game (only the third Rams player to do so at the time) and fittingly ended his career in the final game of that season with a win at Greygums Oval against Cronulla-Sutherland.
Unsurprisingly, Al holds the record at the Rams for the oldest player to reach the 100, 150 and 200 game milestone, feats which look like standing for years to come. He also holds the record for the most Reserve Grade games (166)
Alan came from a Rugby League background. When he came to the club he kicked like a Rugby League player and, 15 years later, he still kicked precisely the same way, with the "midfield bomb" being his specialty! Players up the field didn't take long to work out that leading to Al as he charged out of the backline was an exercise in extreme optimism.
Playing almost exclusively as a backman, he had a very direct and straightforward style of play. He would attack the ball, build up a bit of steam and roost it forward. Not one for the sidestep, opponents would stand in front of the rampaging Penrith no 44 at their own peril.
With a big frame and barrel chest, and in his later years being very much held together by strapping tape and distinctive elbow guards, Al was probably one of the more unlikely looking Australian Rules players you would see. No doubt he was underestimated often by his opponents. But he was as tough as nails and would give 100 percent while on the field, no matter how strong the opposition or how more skilled or talented his opponent may be. And he had an uncanny knack for getting kicks, even in the final years of his career.
Al's efforts were regularly recognized by the club and his peers. He won the Reserves Best and Fairest in his first season and was runner-up on two other occasions. He also won three Endeavour Awards, two Players' Player awards, and one each of the Most Consistent and Most Improved awards (all also in Reserve Grade).
In the mid 90s Al served several years on the committee. He had received Life Membership in 1994. And this tribute cannot be complete without mentioning that he managed to kick five goals for the Rams over the course of his career!
Following his retirement, Al still took an interest in the Rams. He would be seen at the occasional home game and would attend the occasional reunion and presentation night.
The Penrith club extends its sympathies and condolences to Alan's family on his passing. Keep kicking those midfield bombs in heaven big fella.
This team photo was taken on the day of Al's last game with the
Rams - 15th August, 1998. He is not terribly hard to pick out!
Last Modified on 21/04/2016 09:11