HAWTHORN has added Australian national water polo goalkeeper Ollie Purcell to its list as a Category B rookie on Monday.

Purcell played football as a junior with the Greythorn Falcons and for St Kevins through secondary school, but concentrated on water polo and has trained with the Australian Olympic squad since 2023.

The 21-year-old was vice-captain for the national youth men's squad at the 2022 and 2025 World Championships, and has recently returned from Japan where he played with the Aussie Sharks last month.

The Hawks expect Purcell's football will take time to develop, but standing at 195cm and with an elite competitive sporting history behind him, the club is excited by the possible upside.

"We welcome Ollie to the Hawks; he joins our list as a talented international athlete with previous footy experience," Hawthorn national recruiting and list manager Mark McKenzie told the club website.

"Having represented Australia in water polo across several international tours, Ollie is no stranger to an elite sporting environment.

"When you also consider his footy history with St Kevin's as a 195cm key defender, known for his strong character, intercept marking and competitiveness, he makes for an exciting prospect in the years to come.

"With Ollie being a longer-term player, we know his development and pathway will take some time, but he will benefit greatly from the guidance and mentorship of the many experienced defenders already on our list."