SHEA, Paddy

Paddy Shea was recruited from CBC Parade by Fitzroy, where he played 13 games in 1904. He then left for Boulder City (WA) where, over the next two years, he built a reputation as the best player on the goldfields.

He was regarded by many as the best half-forward of his era. He was a cool-headed and intelligent player, an excellent drop kick and was said to have had no equal in passing the ball. He was also reputed to be a master of what is now referred to as the banana kick.

He joined Essendon in 1908 and played every game that year, including the losing Grand Final. He was very consistent and missed very few games.

Shea was a prolific goal scorer in an era of low scoring games. He was Essendon's leading goalkicker in 1909, kicking four goals in a game four times, and failing to kick a goal only once that year. He finished either second or third in the League's goalkicking from 1908 to 1911, and was second in 1915 and third in 1918. In 1911 he became only the second Essendon player to reach 100 goals.

He was a star on the half-forward flank in both the 1911 and 1912 premiership victories and was selected in the State side in 1908, 1909 and 1913.

Shea was vice-captain in 1910, as his brother Mark had been two years earlier.

Essendon did not participate in the League in 1916 and 1917, but Shea played again in 1918.

He became coach of the Essendon Association team in 1919 and then coached North Sydney in 1920 and 1921.

As well as being a champion footballer, he also played three games of cricket for Victoria.

Pat Shea died on 29th May, 1954.