A ruckman and forward from the Queenscliff Football Club, Shapter was 24 when he made his VFL debut in the opening round of the 1930 season, with future club great Bob Pratt also playing his first game.
After struggling to command a regular place in the team in 1931, Shapter left for Fitzroy, while South Melbourne would two years later win the premiership.
He made only one appearance for Fitzroy in 1932 but cemented a spot in the lineup from round six of the 1933 season only to be on the outer again in 1934.
[1] Shapter spent 1935 as captain-coach Port Melbourne in the Victorian Football Association.
The left footer returned to the VFL the following year, with Essendon, but could only add two more senior games to his tally.