From 2007 to 2015 Purcell was selected at stroke on nine consecutive occasions to represent Queensland in the men's lightweight coxless four contesting the Penrith Cup at the Interstate Regatta within the Australian Rowing Championships.

The following year at the 2007 World Rowing U23 Championships in Glasgow with just one crew change, Purcell again raced in the quad to a fourth placing.

[4] In 2008 Purcell was elevated to the Australian senior lightweight squad and he raced in the men's eight which placed eighth at the World Championships in Linz.

[4] In 2010 at the World Championships in Lake Karapiro, Purcell was seated at bow in the Australian men's lightweight eight stroked by Perry Ward which placed second and won the silver medal.

[4] The Australian lightweight eight stayed together into 2011 with the changeout of Perry Ward and Angus Tyers for Rod Chisolm and Tom Gibson and a move of Purcell into the stroke seat.