Tom Purcell, a multiple premiership winning coach, will coach Fitzroy’s Senior Womens team in 2027.

Fitzroy Football Club is thrilled with Tom’s appointment. He brings decades of footy experience including three Premier women's premierships at St Kevins’ and more recently coach of the VAFA representative side.

“I want everyone to jump on the Fitzroy band wagon over the next few years because the one thing I will promise everyone in our Fitzroy community is that it’s going to be one great ride and a lot of fun climbing the mountain together,’’ Tom says.

Tom was the standout candidate, bringing not just a terrific football brain but also a strong focus on community, and it was Fitzroy’s strong relationship to its community that drew Tom to the role.

“During the last eight years coaching against the Fitzroy Women’s team, I always admired the respect and the manner Fitzroy went about their football on and off the field. It is a community that always puts people first and values belonging before performance,’’ Tom says.

“After a year coaching the Women’s Big V, I was really looking forward to coming back to community club football and I am blessed the stars have aligned. I’m humbled to be given the role of Senior Coach at Fitzroy.”

“The values of this club of great football, great people and great culture is something I greatly respect and connect with.

“Footy is life and I know that belonging to such a thriving football community will be a truly life-giving opportunity.”

Club president David Leydon said Tom had an impressive footy CV.

“I can’t wait for the whole club to meet Tom,” the president says.

“He’s a hugely impressive person all players will instantly like and respect for both his football knowledge, but also his upbeat, infectious personality.

“Tom is a perfect fit for the Fitzroy Football Club”.

Senior Womens' Co-Captain Steph Pitt said Tom would easily fit into the club’s culture.

“Tom’s footy resume speaks for itself. So I was very surprised to find that it’s not actually Tom’s footy brain that makes him the best person for this job, but his passion for community and relationships.

“I know I speak for the entire women’s program when I say we are incredibly excited to welcome Tom to our club.”