SHELTON, Ian

Ian "Bluey" Shelton was one of the toughest players of his time, and a top ranking centre half-back. He came to Essendon from Avenel where he had played in 1958, prior to that he was at Avenel-Longwood. His first coach at Avenel was Geoff Baker whose son, Leon, was a champion Essendon player in the 1980s.

He had to overcome early permit and injury problems in his first year in 1959, but his tough and ruthless play soon made him an idol of the Essendon fans. This was reinforced by his best-on-ground performance in the first semi-final loss to Collingwood that year. The Club acknowledged his achievements by voting him Essendon's Best First Year Player for 1959.

Shelton quickly established himself in the team, playing all but one game in 1960. He was runner-up in the Club's Best and Fairest award in 1961 and finished third in 1963. He won the W. R. Crichton Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Services in 1962. He was also second top Brownlow Medal vote scorer at Essendon in 1962 and third top in 1961. He also represented Victoria twice in 1962.

Shelton played at centre half-back in the Club's 1962 premiership team and again in the 1965 premiership team, when he was vice-captain to Ken Fraser, even though he had very nearly missed the game with a shoulder injury.

He missed all of the 1964 season after suffering a serious eye injury on the family farm, which led to fears he would lose his sight. Shelton recovered but never quite captured his previous form and suffered more frustrating injuries. Despite this he never gave less than 100%.

Shelton left Essendon after the 1965 season to become captain-coach of Seymour from 1966 to 1969 and then returned to Avenel in the same role from 1970 to 1972 and again in 1974. He was best and fairest in 1971 and 1972. He was back at Seymour in 1982 and led them to the premiership.

He returned to Essendon as official runner for a year in 1975.

His uncle, John Thomas "Jack" Shelton, played for St Kilda and South Melbourne, and his cousin, Bill Shelton, played for Hawthorn.

An integral part of Bluey's legend is the story of how his grandfather, Richard, was saved from drowning by a ten-year-old Ned Kelly.

Ian was named at number 48 in the Champions of Essendon (2002) and at centre half-back in Essendon's Team of the Century.

He is one of 15 Essendon players depicted in the gymnasium's 40m mural, Spirit To Win, completed in 2002. Above Shelton's image it reads simply: "Strength".

He died on 17th March, 2021.