Tom Purcell appointed Big V Women’s coach

The VAFA is delighted to announce that four-time VAFA premiership coach Tom Purcell will take the reins of the Big V Women’s program for season 2026.

Purcell coached St Kevin’s school teams for a decade before enjoying a stellar 11-year coaching career at SKOB, during which his teams made the finals in every season.

Named Coach of the Year after winning the Under 19 Premier Men’s flag in 2016, he then headed up SKOB Saints powerhouse women’s program, setting a new benchmark as he guided them to a hat-trick of flags from 2019-23.

“Stepping down from the Saints is easily one of the hardest decisions in my life,” said Purcell. “I love the players, the coaches, and I loved coaching the Saints.”

“After the best 8 years of my coaching career, I needed a break from the constant drive required to lead a women’s footy community. It was a 20-hour-a-week plus passion for me.  I was pushing so hard to keep this going with teaching, overseas ministries and family.

“We had a great preseason and recruited some wonderful people, but my family could see I was getting burnt out, so in some way, they made the decision for me. Well-being and self-care are always number one.

“My family have sacrificed so much for me. It was time to step back and spend more time with my wife, my 10 children and my 5 grandchildren.

“I am blessed, but it was still so hard to say goodbye to people you love and are so connected with.  I am thankful for every player who wore the Saints jumper.”

However, Tom’s passion for coaching hasn’t waned, so when the opportunity to join the 8-week Big V Women’s program arose, it immediately felt like the ideal next step – a way to stay directly involved with coaching in the VAFA, without the time commitment of an entire season.

“The Big V is the perfect fit for me at this time in my coaching career. Coaching the best talent in the VAFA in the Big V is such a huge privilege. After coaching against so many great women VAFA players, to have them all come together in the Big V jumper is a dream come true,” he said.

“What an opportunity – to walk alongside other VAFA coaches, develop my own coaching and learn from others, as well as being able to spend some time doing a few other things I have always wanted to do, such as visit my children and grandchildren on weekends, and to be able to go to Spain with Shelly in September.”

The opportunity is even more special for Tom, given his lifelong connection to the Big V.

“I have always loved it. As a kid, I was in awe of the Big V and State of Origin. As a junior athlete, my proudest moments were running in the Big V singlet. As a father, I loved watching my daughters and sons wear the Big V in athletics, hockey and football.

“It is humbling to be recognised by others as having the necessary qualities to lead the Big V Women’s program. The 100-year celebration last year embedded in my veins everything I have loved about the Big V since growing up as a kid.

“The history, culture, games, friendships – Big V footy holds such a special place in the life of VAFA community football. I have loved the Saints’ contribution to Women’s state football, and I have watched every game. It fills each club with so much pride seeing club players wearing the Big V.”

Tom takes the senior coaching reins from Paul Groves, who has taken the job as coach of Williamstown’s VFLW team after leading the Big V Women to three victories over the past three seasons.

“I have never coached rep footy before, so I am very excited about taking on this new challenge,” said Purcell.

“I will be seeking plenty of advice from past players and other coaches, such as ‘Grovesy,’ and I look forward to building on the incredible program the Women’s Big V has created.

“I just can’t wait to get started. The Rep game is early in the season, so I’ve already started planning. I’m looking forward to visiting training sessions, watching games, and talking with coaches and players. 

“I have had the greatest respect for all the coaches and players over the years, and it’s going to be awesome to have everyone pull together for the Big V program. All the people I will meet and get to know along the journey as a Big V coach are what I am looking forward to most.”

Tom has always been known as a caring, relationship-based coach, and he will bring those qualities into the Big V program.

“My coaching philosophy is ‘Enjoy the experience. Make lifetime friendships. Become a better person, teammate and footballer.’ That’s my aim for all our players.

“That connection piece built around our burning desire to represent the Big V will be central. Wearing that special jumper means everything to us. We’re fortunate to have such a strong cultural foundation, and this team is already creating its own Big V legacy.

“We’ve had superb leaders in this group over the years, with the likes of Jordan Wise, Mia Cowan, Bree Doyle, Taylah Watson, Vic Holt, Sarah Cameron, and plenty more. Wonderful people and players like these have created this culture of pride and passion for us.”

Tom inherits a program with a tight-knit culture of sisterhood and success, and he appreciates the significance of building on the Big V Women’s perfect 6-0 legacy. He’s looking for like-minded players and coaches who embrace the pressure that comes with ‘one and done.’

“Playing one game for the Big V when it’s all on the line is always a challenge. But we wouldn’t want it any other way! South Australia will be a formidable opponent, and the game itself will be a great showcase for amateur women’s football.

“In terms of gameplan and style, we know the women’s game continues to advance in skill, speed and endurance – transition footy is the modern game. I’ll be looking to continue to play the attractive style our Big V Women have showcased so well in recent years.

“I feel a big responsibility to put on a high-quality game. I’m passionate about participation in women’s sport, and I know that a lot of people will be watching this game right around Australia, so it’s a great opportunity for both teams to deliver a contest that inspires others to want to play football and participate in sport.

“I have experienced the life-changing impact a football community can have on so many people, and this game can inspire many other women to join one. This is what drives me and inspires me to coach this game and team.”

Tom’s unbridled passion, energy and enthusiasm are infectious.

“Footy is life. The experience is everything. Win or lose, I want the girls to walk away feeling that was one of the best experiences of their lives, and they want to do it again.

“I want to coach a VAFA team that leads to lifetime friendships being made. The Big V is about connecting people and enjoying every moment – that’s the heart of the Big V.

“How good is rep footy?!”

The Big V Women will face the Adelaide Footy League on Saturday, June 6, at Norwood Oval. Further details regarding coaching staff and squad selection will follow in the weeks to come.