Ian Miller, the former Perth, Fitzroy and East Perth footballer known throughout the game as “Serge”, has died aged 76 after more than five decades of service to Australian rules football.
Miller’s playing record included 276 games, a Sandover Medal, representation for Western Australia, All-Australian selection and two premierships. Yet tributes have focused as much on his character as his achievements on the field.
Adrian Barich, who was brought to Western Australia by Miller and his friend Allan “Chubby” Stiles in 1983, described him as a kind, compassionate and generous man who cared deeply about other people.
“Real good bloke” was the phrase most often used by those who knew him, Barich said, although he suggested even that did not fully capture Miller’s qualities.
Miller spent much of his life in the competitive world of football without, Barich said, being heard to speak badly of anyone. His humour was often his way of navigating difficult situations, including an encounter with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay that left him saying: “He’s actually not a bad bloke when you get to know him.”
Ian Miller’s lasting service to football
Miller won a premiership with Perth in 1968 and another with East Perth in 1978, when he also claimed the Simpson Medal. He was later inducted into the WA Football and Perth Football Club halls of fame, named in Perth’s Team of the Century, and made a life member of both the West Coast Eagles and the AFL.
His influence extended well beyond his playing career. At West Coast, after working alongside Mick Malthouse, Michael Wiley and Trevor Nisbett during the club’s successful 1990s era, he became player services co-ordinator.
In that role, Miller helped generations of Eagles settle into the club and into Western Australia. He collected players from the airport, arranged host families and maintained contact with their parents.
When Ben Cousins entered rehabilitation in the United States, Miller travelled with him and his father, Bryan Cousins. Barich said the decision reflected the way Miller supported people in practice, rather than simply offering words of encouragement.
Former West Coast premiership player Will Schofield described Miller as being “like a dad”.
One of the more enduring stories from Miller’s time at Perth involved two young Victorian brothers who arrived at the club in 1982 seeking an opportunity. Miller and Stiles reportedly left them on the bench during a pre-season trial, preferring to give local players a run.
The brothers were Gary and Geoff Ablett, who would both go on to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. They were sent back to Melbourne, leaving Miller and Stiles to endure reminders of the decision over the years.
For Barich, the principal regret was that he could not help Miller experience another Perth premiership before his death.
“He deserved one,” Barich said, reflecting on his time as president of the Perth Football Club.
The WAFL grand final between Claremont and Peel Thunder is due to be played at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Barich said the occasion would feel different without Miller moving around the ground, speaking to people, checking they were well and making them laugh.
Miller’s contribution, he said, was measured not only by his medals or the number of games he played, but by the people who were better off because they had known him.
He helped show that masculinity in football could be expressed through kindness, compassion and loyalty, rather than hardness or bravado.
“Thanks, Serge,” Barich said. “For looking after so many of us. For showing us how to live a worthwhile life.”
