Faces in the crowd: HawkHead Bob Purcell

During the Illawarra Hawks' 43-year existence, 221 players have pulled on the club's jersey.

But the number of fans who have supported the foundation club during that period is exponentially more.

As such, the club has decided to profile some of the most prominent and longest-serving HawkHeads with our new 'faces in the crowd' series.

After profiling numerous long-time HawkHeads such as Peter Brettell and Illawarra intern coach Angus Bourke, the foundation club decided to feature the exceptional work of long-time floor wiper Bob Purcell.

"I volunteered with a friend for the first time in December 2013 because the then floor wipers were unable to do it due to other commitments leading up to Christmas," Purcell said.

"After the game, we got several positive comments about the job we’d done and were invited back permanently. 

"I love basketball, both as a player and as a fan.

"In my opinion, basketball is best watched live, and I get to watch it from one of the best seats in the venue.

"When the crowd gets behind the Hawks the environment is electric and deafening."

While he's been in his current role for just under a decade, his affinity with the club easily outdates that.

"The Hawks are Illawarra’s basketball team and that's all there is to it," he said.

"There’s also something for me about supporting an underdog, and the Hawks have certainly been underdogs in the NBL."

This has allowed Purcell to experience countless unforgettable memories.

"I remember sitting in the temporary grandstand erected on court two at the Snakepit in the mid-1980s with the grandstand shaking as the crowd clapped their hands and stamped their feet to cheer on the team," he said.

"I was amazed at witnessing an in-game dunk by Melvin Thomas from the edge of the key over an opposition player as I had never seen such athleticism before then.

"As a social worker, I loved watching Hawks players coach teams of disadvantaged young people participating in the Illawarra Midnight Basketball program.

"I am also proud of our contribution to LaMelo Ball’s development to becoming an NBA All Star this season.

"Unfortunately I wasn’t living in the Illawarra when the Hawks won their first championship, so I’m hoping to add my most significant memory at the end of this year’s NBL Grand Final series.

Much like the Hawks, Purcell and his crew have established themselves as one of the top floor wiping teams in the country - even being recognised by Australian basketball royalty lately.

"Knowing the court is a safe place for the Hawks and visiting teams to play in is something the team and I take pride in," he said.

"For this to be acknowledged by Andrew Gaze in a 2020-21 broadcast was a huge compliment to the team and myself."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watching film today and we spot one of <a href="https://twitter.com/illawarrahawks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@illawarrahawks</a> secret weapons! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/6thman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#6thman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/backpeddle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#backpeddle</a> :joy::joy::joy: <a href="https://t.co/UHJR7vAhAU">pic.twitter.com/UHJR7vAhAU</a></p>&mdash; Daniel Kickert (@kicks14) <a href="https://twitter.com/kicks14/status/684542069881241600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So much so, Purcell has also been labelled the Hawks' 'secret weapon' by then Melbourne United player Daniel Kickert.

"A miscommunication between the referee and myself meant that I went to retrieve an item on the court as the play advanced towards me - leading to me back-pedalling in a hurry," he said.

"Another funny story of mine is 'scoring' my first NBL basket to crowd applause when I used the mop handle to remove a 'wedgie' during a play stoppage."

A feat made all the more impressive due to the evolving nature of the role, due to COVID-19.

"As far as floor wiping goes, our role changed with COVID as we now have two floor wipers and a ball wiper on each end of the court," he said.

"Prior to this we only had a floor wiper on each end.

"With how quickly the game now transitions from end to end, having the extra floor wiper on each end means the floor continues to be safe for the players.

"Also, until recently it was really difficult to find people willing to help with the floor wiping as it was considered a 'kids’ job'.

"We now have a team of 12 experienced volunteers willing to help as needed."

As well as memories, Purcell has aligned himself with numerous favourite players over his time with the Wollongong-based club.

"I’d have to say Duop Reath is my favourite or my son will kill me," he said.

"I’d also have to say Glen Saville or my wife will kill me too.

"Seriously though, Tim Coenraad as he’s been in the team the whole time that I’ve been a floor wiper.

"It’s been great watching his game develop over this time to continue to be a significant contributor to the team.

"As an older basketball player, I have benefitted enormously from watching his game."

During his time in his current volunteering role, Purcell admits there have been numerous changes in ownership, staffing and players but believes the current stability among the owners gives the whole community confidence in the team in the future.

"We had a very talented and deep roster this season, which unfortunately fell just short of the ultimate goal," he said.

"But I believe our second NBL title isn't too far away, with so many pieces already committed to return in NBL23."