The West Coast Eagles are deeply saddened by the passing of Life Member, Club stalwart and WA football great Ian Miller overnight, aged 76.

Miller’s outstanding contribution to Australian Football spanned more than 50 years as a star player, coach and then as an integral part of West Coast’s formative years and later in player welfare.

Universally known as ‘Serge’, Miller served on West Coast’s match committee during the Club’s most successful era in the 1990s before taking on the critical role as Player Services Coordinator in 2002.

Holding that position for more than 20 years until retirement, Miller developed players away from football to set them up for success at the end of their careers and positively impacted the lives of countless staff and colleagues.

Miller’s remarkable contribution to the Club was recognised with Life Membership in 2012.

He was also a Life Member of the AFL and WA Football, which inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 2008 after his decorated playing career.

Miller won a premiership at Perth in 1968, claimed the 1972 Sandover Medal and received the Simpson Medal as best afield in the 1978 Grand Final triumph while playing for East Perth.

Miller’s senior career included 196 WAFL games (132 for Perth, 64 for East Perth), 15 State games representing WA and 80 VFL games over four seasons at Fitzroy, as well as three seasons coaching Perth.

In 2021, he was recognised for his remarkable contribution to the game with the Neale Daniher Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Ian Miller is one of the greats of WA Football and our Club is deeply saddened by his passing overnight,” West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke said.

“’Serge’ gave so much to the game as a player, coach and then in off-field roles at the West Coast Eagles.

“He was an integral member of the Club during the 1990s serving on the match committee, where his knowledge and love for the game, strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in our success.

“‘Serge’ was a man of the highest integrity with deep care and compassion for others, and his legacy lives on through the people he has helped shape and develop in his welfare role.

“On behalf of everyone at the West Coast Eagles, I extend my sincere condolences to Ian’s wife Robin, his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”