SHORTEN, George

George "Titch" Shorten was a brilliant wingman, half-forward and rover who came from Essendon Juniors.

Although he was among the shortest and lightest players in League history, he made up for it with fearlessness, speed and cleverness, and was equal runner-up in the inaugural Brownlow Medal in 1924. A 1924 newspaper article described him as "a freak of the age".

His electrifying dashes were a real asset and his practice of throwing the ball out in front of him to earn a free kick forced a rule change.

Shorten was a key member of Essendon's famous "Mosquito Fleet" and was best on the ground in the 1923 premiership victory. He again starred on the wing in the 1924 premiership win. He was also a member of the team that controversially lost to the VFA premiers, Footscray, in the match between the two premier teams in 1924.

He had earlier been a member of the Seconds' premiership team in 1921.

Shorten played three games for Victoria in 1925. He missed eight weeks of the 1926 season through suspension.

He joined St Patrick's, Albury, in the Ovens and Murray League in 1927 and immediately led them to a premiership. He continued as a player there in 1928.

His cousin, Teddy Shorten, played five games for Essendon in 1926. His son, George jr, played with Essendon's Reserves in 1945.

George Shorten died on 26th June, 1973.