Searl started his career with Collingwood in 1966 and played mostly as a centre half-forward.
During the 1968 VFL season Searl crossed to Fitzroy and had an immediate impact as a forward, kicking 31 goals in his eight games that year.
He spent the rest of his career as a centre half back, playing his last game in 1976.
Searl continued to be involved in football as a coach and steered the Fitzroy under-19 team to the 1982 premiership.
Searl's father Sid Searl played for Richmond and Port Melbourne in the 1940s, kicking 12 goals on debut, against Sandringham Football Club before being dropped the next week.