Searl was initially recruited to Collingwood in 1966 and played 12 matches in two-and-a-half seasons with the Magpies, including their one-point Grand Final loss to St Kilda in his debut season.
He transferred to Fitzroy midway through the 1968 season and made his Club debut in Round 13 at Victoria Park - coincidentally against his former team.
Searl went on to play a total of 131 senior VFL matches with Fitzroy from 1968-76 and kicked 170 goals.
He was twice Fitzroy's leading goal-kicker - in 1968 (with 31 goals) and again in 1969 (68) - and later coached the Club's U19 side to a Grand Final win in 1982.
Searl wore the #4 (59 games) and #34 guernsey (72 games) throughout his time at Fitzroy, with his name forever immortalised on the #34 locker door at the Brighton Homes Arena - the Brisbane Lions' home base in Springfield.
The Club extends its deepest condolences to Searl's family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.
Vale Doug Searl
Vale Doug Searl
Fitzroy Football Club
Years: 1968-76
Debut Number: 867
Debut Game: Round 13, 1968 vs Collingwood @ Victoria Park
Games: 131
Goals: 170
