He was from a talented sporting family, with his brother Mark Francis Shea (1883–1939) also having a career at Fitzroy and Essendon.

He played mostly as a half forward flanker and was one of the first players to use the 'banana kick' as well as the 'checkside' punt Shea's VFL career began at Fitzroy in 1904.

After one season he joined Goldfields Football Association club Boulder City, in Western Australia.

A Victorian interstate representative[2] He holds the record for most VFL goals kicked at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground, with 85.

Although Shea made little impact in the match, his Essendon premiership teammate Bill Sewart scored a century.