Charlie Searl was probably the best all round athlete of his day representing the State at football, sculling, running, boxing and rowing.
He first played football with Lefroy in the TFL starting in 1904 and remaining with them until 1907.
After transferring to Launceston in his employment midway through the 1908 season from Lefroy Searl had the unique experience of representing the TFL and the NTFA in the same season. When playing for Lefroy he was chosen in the Southern team to play the North and after he joined North Launceston was selected to play the return game for the North. He played with the club until 1911 when he retired.
In his final year with the club he coached them to the premiership.
From 1904 to 1911 he played in almost every representative game. Whilst at Hobart he was selected to play against every visiting Victorian side including Collingwood, Essendon and Fitzroy.
He greatly impressed the Collingwood players and officials with his display on the wing in a match in 1906.
He represented Tasmania in the 1908 Carnival in Melbourne playing with marked success until injured.
The 1908 Tasmanian Carnival team - Charlie Searl is pictured second from right in the back row. Standing next to him third from right is Algy Tynan. Bruce Carter is pictured fourth from right in the second row with HK Littler fifth from right. Jack Gardiner is second from left in the third row.
Charlie Searl was a skilled wingman, a delight to watch being a beautiful mark, magnificent stab kick and extremely fast.
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