Purcell has continued to thrill Demons fans and menace opposition backlines this season. He needed one goal in the final home-and-away round last weekend to reach a triple-figure tally for the third consecutive season, and booted eight in Jerilderie’s 103-point win against Mathoura.

In 2013 Purcell made headlines around the country when he raced to 100 goals in eight games — he finished with 222 goals in 20 matches that season — and last year hit the mark in 12 matches after he was felled by Ross River fever early in the season.

Purcell, who turns 37 in October, says he has not decided yet whether or not he will continue playing next year, but the thought of playing his 300th match with the Demons might be enough incentive to keep going.

“I certainly have (thought about retirement). My body’s just about had enough, but who knows? I love the game. We’ll see what happens,” he said ahead of yesterday’s qualifying final.

This season Jerilderie is vying for its fourth straight premiership, which Purcell says would be his 10th flag overall. Aside from seven premierships with Jerilderie, he has won a premiership with Lavington in the Ovens and Murray league, and one with Bundaberg in Queensland’s Wide Bay league.

Purcell booted eight goals in Jerilderie’s qualifying final win against Picola United yesterday, 10.14 (74) to 7.10 (52), to set up a meeting with minor premier Strathmerton — which Jerilderie beat in the past two grand finals — in the second semi-final.

Today’s elimination final features Tocumwal and Berrigan at Tocumwal.