Belcher played just four games for the Pies before being let go, and went on to become one of the great club captains of his era, leading Essendon to a flag in 1912. A powerful ruckman from Brunswick, he led by example.

He was acting captain again during the 1919 season after skipper Fred Baring took ill, but broke his toe in a match against St Kilda and never played again.

He died in 1921.