Hawthorn signs water polo goalkeeper Ollie Purcell as rookie

Hawthorn Football Club has signed 21-year-old Ollie Purcell as a Category B rookie. Purcell is an elite international athlete who recently served as a goalkeeper for the Australian national water polo team, including recent competition in Japan.

Purcell previously played football as a junior for the Greythorn Falcons and St Kevin’s. Standing at 195cm, he is viewed by the club as a potential key defender with significant long-term upside. Hawthorn national recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie noted that while Purcell’s football development will take time, his experience in elite sporting environments will be an asset.

If Purcell debuts, he will follow in the footsteps of Peter Bennett, who balanced water polo and football in the 1950s. Purcell joins fellow non-traditional recruit Matt Hill on the club's list.