[1][2] As a young man, Parnell played many sports, but eventually chose football over athletics, tennis, and cricket.
[3] Parnell, who comes from Albury in New South Wales, played 122 games with the Murray Bushrangers between 2019 and 2021.
[4] He was recruited by Adelaide in the 2021 mid-season rookie draft as a replacement for Tyson Stengle.
[6] Parnell made his league debut in 2022 against West Coast, featuring in 11 games during the second half of the season.
[7][3] Parnell was nominated for the 2023 Mark of the Year following a spectacular grab against St Kilda in round 9.