Norman Belcher (10 July 1879 – 31 January 1947) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Geelong and Essendon in the Victorian Football League (VFL).

Norman Belcher
Personal information
Full name Edward Norman Belcher
Nickname(s) Norm
Date of birth (1879-07-10)10 July 1879
Place of birth Leopold, Victoria
Date of death 31 January 1947(1947-01-31) (aged 67)
Place of death Geelong, Victoria
Original team(s) Newtown[1]
Height 182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 77 kg (170 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1899, 1902, 1906 Geelong 8 (3)
1904 Essendon 2 (0)
Total 10 (3)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 1906.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Belcher was the son of George Frederick Belcher (Mayor of Geelong)[2] and attended Geelong Grammar School where he captained the school football team.[3]

Belcher played two games for Geelong in 1899 before joining the army and serving with the Australian Commonwealth Horse mounted infantry unit in the Second Boer War.[4] Upon his return in 1902, he again played for Geelong but transferred to Essendon for the 1904 VFL season. Despite positive reports, he failed to establish himself in the side and returned to Geelong. He played two more games for Geelong in the 1906 season.

When World War I commenced, Belcher was quick to offer his services (including his motor car). He served in the Automobile Corps from 1914 to 1916.[5]

Outside football, Belcher established an auctioneer business in Geelong with his brother. An active sportsman, Belcher also served on the committees of the Geelong Racing Club and Geelong Golf Club. Norman Belcher died in 1947.

References

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  1. ^ Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2011). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers: every AFL/VFL player since 1897 (9th ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Bas Publishing. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-921496-12-7.
  2. ^ "DEATH OF MR G. F. BELCHER". Geelong Advertiser. Victoria. 24 November 1909. p. 3 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "FOOTBALL". Geelong Advertiser. Victoria. 10 September 1898. p. 2 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "Boer War Nominal Roll – Edward Norman Belcher". Australian War Memorial.
  5. ^ "Lt. Edward Norman Belcher". National Archives of Australia.
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