George William "Tich" Shorten (19 March 1901 – 26 June 1973)[1] was an Australian rules footballer who played for Essendon in the VFL during the 1920s.

George Shorten
Personal information
Full name George William Shorten
Date of birth (1901-03-19)19 March 1901
Place of birth Kensington, Victoria
Date of death 26 June 1973(1973-06-26) (aged 72)
Place of death Parkville, Victoria
Original team(s) Essendon Juniors
Height 163 cm (5 ft 4 in)
Weight 51 kg (112 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1923–1926 Essendon 52 (26)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1926.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Shorten was the lightest player in Essendon's famed "Mosquito Fleet", with estimates on his weight ranging from 47 to 51 kg, making him the lightest player in league history.[2]

Although primarily a rover he was also seen on the half forward flanks, where he played the 1923 VFL Grand Final and was named "Best on Ground".

He also participated in Essendon's premiership the following season and in 1925 represented Victoria in three interstate matches.

Shorten finished equal second in the 1924 Brownlow Medal, one vote behind the inaugural winner Edward Greeves.[3]

Shorten was appointed coach of St. Patrick's Football Club in the Ovens and Murray Football League in May, 1927[4] and lead them to a premiership in his first year.[5] Shorten played with St. Patrick's Football Club, but did not coach them in 1928.

References

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  1. ^ "George Shorten - Player Bio". Australian Football. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  2. ^ Piesse, Ken (1993). The Complete Guide to Australian Football. Melbourne: Pan MacMillan Australia Pty Limited. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-330-35712-8.
  3. ^ "1924 - Brownlow Medal votes". Trove Newspapers. The Argus Newspaper.
  4. ^ "1927 - Shorten to coach St. Patrick's FC". Trove Newspapers. The Weekly Times Newspaper.
  5. ^ "1927 - O&MFL Grand Final scores". O&MFNL. Ovens and Murray FNL.
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