The 21-year-old is part of a proud Yarrawonga sporting family.
Purcell’s grandfather Jim was a life member of the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club and a legendary local footballer and gifted runner.
Jim won four premierships with Burramine Football Club, coaching the club to its final two flags, while also claiming the league best and fairest award in 1959.
His sporting talents extended beyond football as Jim enjoyed a successful career as a professional runner during the 1950s and won the prestigious Wangaratta Gift in 1955.
More than seven decades later, Ollie is beginning his own journey in elite sport.
Purcell had established himself in Australian water polo, representing the country on the international stage, but now his football background has provided a pathway into the AFL.
Hawthorn national recruiting and list manager, Mark McKenzie said Purcell's experience across both sports made him an exciting prospect.
“We welcome Ollie to the Hawks; he joins our list as a talented international athlete with previous footy experience,” McKenzie said.
“Having represented Australia in water polo across several international tours, Ollie is no stranger to an elite sporting environment.”
The 195cm key defender played football at St Kevin's College, with McKenzie highlighting his “strong character, intercept marking and competitiveness”.
“He makes for an exciting prospect in the years to come,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie acknowledged Purcell's development would take time, but said he would benefit from the guidance of the experienced defenders already on Hawthorn's list.
For Yarrawonga, Purcell's AFL opportunity adds another chapter to a sporting family story that stretches back generations.
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