’ALWAYS A MAGGIE’: I went from Mitchell to Melbourne Storm

SOUTHWEST born and raised, footy legend Michael Purcell reveals the most exciting parts of his career and his main influences. DETAILS:

Michael PURCELL. QRL Semi Final; Townsville Blackhawks v Ipswich Jets at Jack Manski Oval. Picture: Alix Sweeney

HE’S been described by many as one of the most “freakish” players to step onto a southwest football paddock, and now former Mitchell Magpie Michael ‘Purcy’ Purcell is on the cusp of wearing the jersey for one of Australia’s most successful rugby league teams, the Melbourne Storm.

Ipswich-born and Charleville-raised, the ‘Kangaroo Catcher’ pays homage to the black and white Maggies flock for giving him the opportunity to develop his skills and travel 1300km away from the nest and will never forget - “Once a Maggie, always a Maggie.”

Purcy, 27, now has the opportunity for pre-selection for the Storm.

His explosive speed on his 75kg and 180cm frame has given him a lightning edge over opponents and sets him apart from the pack with his 66 tries in the Intrust SuperCup competition so far.

If successful, the Charleville boy will play among the most successful players in the sport and join the ranks of professional league stars from the southwest including Artie Beetson, Darren Lockyer and Adrian Vowles.

But Melbourne’s a long way from the dusty fields Purcy and his cousins would kick a footy around on when he was starting out at 19 years old.

It was in his hometown of Charleville on the edge of the Outback where he first picked up a footy, but it was in the neighbouring rugby league mad town of Mitchell 180km east, where Purcy was given the first opportunity to shine in the black and white Magpies jersey.

“(I’m) always just grateful for the opportunity the Magpies have given me,” Purcy said.

“Birko (John Birkett) out there in Mitchell, getting me out of Charleville and playing for Mitchell, and I’m just thankful for every coach I’ve had that’s helped me out.”

Magpies coaching director and Maranoa Regional Councillor John Birkett described Purcy as a “freak of nature” and had a ‘quick rise’ up due to his incredible feats on the field.

“In his first game in Mitchell I didn’t know much about him, but he scored a number of tries,” Cr Birkett said.

“Some of the things I’ve seen on the footy field are pretty amazing.”

When playing in the Outback Carnival during Purcy’s early days, Cr Birkett remembers him scoring 15 tries for the team.

Purcy left the magpie nest in 2016 when he was selected for Queensland Rugby League to play for the Ipswich Jets.

He was the equal leading tryscorer in the 2018 Intrust Super Cup.

Then Purcy moved on to play as a fullback with East’s Tigers this year.

Immaculate skills with the Steeden has taken Purcy overseas and coached under Shane Walker for four years.

Purcy said one of the most memorable parts of his career was the opportunity to travel abroad and play games across Papua New Guinea.

The Melbourne Storm pre-selection could lead him onto the field for 2021’s NRL season, but in the meantime, Purcy is focusing mainly on keeping in shape and being on top of his training.

“Ex coaches have told me the best thing for myself is to go down in the best shape I can and really prepare myself,” Purcy said.

“I’ll never forget about the Maggies.”

READ MORE: Former Mitchell Magpie in preselection for Melbourne Storm

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