Samuel Albert Shellabear was one of eight ex-soldiers who played for Claremont in their all conquering 1923 season where they won all three trophies on offer and remained undefeated. In his tribute to the team, Nemo in The Western Chronicle wrote, “S. A. Shellabear: A Londoner who arrived in Claremont in his youthful days, and until hampered by injuries during the latter portion of last season figured prominently as a centre forward. Also filled the position of goal-keeper temporarily during the season. Learnt the game amongst the Claremont Juniors, and graduated to senior ranks after his return from the war.”
Shellabear was born on 7 December 1894 in London and arrived in Perth with his parents in May 1911 at the age of 16. Shellabear’s war service in France was highlighted with him being awarded a Meritorious Service Medal on 18 June 1918.
In 1923 he married Nesta Mofflin and pulled up the boots soon after first son was born in 1924. He was a father of three and died in Perth in 1969 at the age 74.