Career
Born in Melbourne, Shearman was recruited from Aberfeldie in the Essendon District League, and made his debut at 16 years of age. He became renowned as a strong half back flanker who could take high marks, kick prodigious drop kicks, and was good at ground level He played in the 1957 and 1959 Grand Final losses to Melbourne.
In 1957, Shearman received a letter from Mary Murphy, a teenage Essendon supporter from Hawthorn, who asked for a photo and an autograph.
At the time, she was particularly fond of his legs. She received a reply letter from Shearman a week later complete with photos.
In 1961 at the age of 21, Shearman moved to South Australia and joined West Torrens. He represented South Australia at the 1961 carnival, winning All Australian selection and captained West Torrens in 1963 and 1964.
In 1965 he stood out of football for the season awaiting a clearance to Sturt.
Joining Sturt in 1966, he was a key part of that club"s "Golden Era", playing in consecutive premierships from 1966 to 1970. Since 2000, Sturt and Woodville West Torrens have competed for the RO Shearman Testimonial Trophy.
