Boy, is there some history happening with my next “Where Are They Now”. It was at the home of Paul Anthony “Sal” Serong that the umpires held a meeting when they withdrew their services in pursuit of a better pay deal. As Paul was President of the VFLUA at the time, it seemed appropriate that the meeting took place at his home. The end result was a victory for the umpires, and umpiring today still bears the benefits, as it marked the beginning of the VFL’s recognition of the VFLUA as a genuine negotiating body for VFL umpires.
Now Paul, a true Umpires’ Association man, after seven years on the Reserve Grade list—where he finished as Emergency in the Under 19 Second Semi Final, umpired the Eastern District F.L. Final, and the Panton Hill Grand Final—was promoted onto the Senior List in 1972. After a couple of years, he became heavily involved off the field: elected to the Social Committee in 1977, Treasurer in 1978, Vice President in 1979, Senior Vice President in 1980, and President in 1981. In recognition of his service across all these roles, Paul was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1983.
As President, Paul was quoted in The Man in White as saying he “owed a great deal to umpiring—his best and closest friends, training that gave him confidence to be successful in the business world, and personality development and mental toughness to overcome any setback.”
Born on 8 August 1950 to William and Eileen Serong at Sacred Heart Hospital, Moreland, Paul grew up in Glenroy with his two sisters, Janice and Pamela. He attended Corpus Christi Primary School from 1955 before
moving to Glenroy High School in 1961. During his time at high school, Paul played football with Glenroy Under 13s in the Essendon District F.L., and during the cricket season played Under 16s, where the club won a premiership. He also tried his hand at athletics, golf, and squash. During his later school years, Paul met a lovely lady named Christine; they married in 1971 and, today, after 54 years together, have two children and two grandchildren.
In 1965, realising he was not quite good enough to play senior football, Paul spoke with a neighbour who was a goal umpire in the Reserve Grade, who suggested he apply to the VFL Reserve Grade. Paul applied as a boundary umpire in 1966 before changing to field umpiring in 1968. After seven years on the list, he was promoted to the VFL Senior List for the 1972 season, training at Royal Park. His first game on the list was in the Kowree Naracoorte F.L., where Kybybolite 26.14 defeated Kingston 12.11.
While at university, Paul began employment in 1967 with Monarch Insurance. In 1972, he completed his studies at Victoria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of Human Resource Management.
In 1974, the umpires played a social match against “The Stockade” at Pentridge, with The Stockade winning 9.11 to 4.4, and Paul named among the best players. After two years umpiring in the country and receiving strong observer reports, Paul was rewarded in 1974 with his first VFL Reserve Grade match: Hawthorn 19.11 defeated South Melbourne 11.15 at Princes Park, under the one-umpire system. With strong performances continuing, Paul eventually received the call-up on 14 July 1979 to officiate in a senior VFL match at the MCG, where Melbourne 24.23 defeated South Melbourne 24.10. His field umpire partner that day was John Morgan, in a two-umpire system. Around this time, Paul also changed employment, taking up a position with Sedgwick Insurance Brokers.
On 18 July 1981, Paul officiated in his 100th Reserve Grade match at Lake Oval, where South Melbourne 16.15 defeated St Kilda 16.12, alongside field umpire partner Ian Clayton. In 1982, Paul officiated in the first two rounds of the senior VFL season, but after the next seven VCFL appointments in the country, he felt his prospects were limited and made the decision to retire, receiving Life Membership of the AFLUA. His last senior VFL match was at the Western Oval, where Collingwood 15.14 defeated Footscray 14.8, alongside partner Mike Dye. His final VCFL match was on 29 May 1982 in Beaufort, where North Ballarat 12.18 defeated Beaufort 6.13 in a one-umpire system. When asked about the modern game, Paul remarked, “Not enough obvious free kicks paid.”
Paul’s tally of games was as follows: VFL – 12 (4 in 1979, 6 in 1980, and 2 in 1982); VFL Reserves – 102; VCFL – 126, including 24 finals and 8 VCFL Grand Finals across leagues such as Mid Murray, Murray, Tungamah, Omeo & District, Mallee, Northern District, West Gippsland, and Tatiara.
In 1982, Paul again changed employment, joining Perree Insurance Brokers, and remained heavily involved in the insurance industry. In 1983, he tried his hand in the VFA but never felt fully comfortable, retiring at the end of the season after his final match in Division 2, where Brunswick 21.24 defeated Moorabbin 13.13. He was later approached to assist Glen James in advising on the Cadet Squad, a role he accepted, while also undertaking observing duties in senior matches for many years.
Paul’s business career continued to flourish. After five years with Cigna Insurance, he took on the role of CEO at Catholic Church Insurances, followed by CEO positions with IBNA Insurance and Cambridge Services. In 2012, he established his own company, Counselling Appraisal Consultants, which received national recognition with APRA Innovation Awards in 2018 and 2019 for its work in the rehabilitation industry.
In November 2022, Paul decided it was time to take things a little easier and sold his company to Howden Group, an international insurance broker. He remained on for a further year to assist with the transition before retiring.
Asked whether he had travelled—what a silly question! Paul has travelled extensively, including three trips to Europe. In 2022, he attended The Open at St Andrews when Australian Cameron Smith won, and in 2025 he ticked off another bucket-list item by attending the US Masters. Other destinations have included New York, Norway, Japan, and Vietnam, with plans to return to St Andrews again in 2027. A golf fanatic, Paul plays twice a week—Wednesdays and Saturdays—at Latrobe Golf Club.
Apart from golf, Paul enjoys gardening, particularly growing vegetables—especially tomatoes. The family also has a holiday house at Daylesford, which they visit as often as possible. He is an avid viewer of streaming services and attends umpiring functions whenever he can.
Congratulations, Paul, on a busy and successful career in both business and on the sporting field. Stay safe and enjoy your retirement.
Graeme “Wizzer” Fellows