Matthew Whelan
| Matthew Whelan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 13 November 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Darwin | ||
| Original team(s) | Darwin Buffaloes (NT), Woodville-West Torrens (SA) | ||
| Debut | Round 4, 2 April 2000, Melbourne Demons vs. St Kilda Saints, at Melbourne Cricket Ground |
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| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2000–2009 | Melbourne | 150 (15) | |
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2009.
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| Career highlights | |||
| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Matthew Whelan (born 13 November 1979) is a former professional Australian rules football player.
Wearing the number 45 jersey, Whelan was reliable defender/back pocket known by Demons fans simply as the "Wheels". He also earned the nickname "Wrecker" (after Whelan the Wrecker) for his big hits (often on big name players) and tough and uncompromisingly defensive style of play. His tackling style, to drop the shoulder, resulted in spectacular, almost spear tackle like throws of opponents.
Matthew has Indigenous Australian heritage and his ancestry can be traced to the Ngalakan language speaking peoples of the Arnhem Land. He grew up in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, where he played rugby league at junior levels before concentrating on Australian football at the age of 15. Before heading to Victoria in 2000, Whelan played in both the Northern Territory and South Australian leagues. From October to March he would play for Darwin before heading to Woodville-West Torrens for the winter.
Whelan made his debut in round four of season 2000 and played every game until round 20 when an injured neck cost him his place and he missed the finals, including Melbourne's grand final appearance. This was a major blow to the Demons who missed his toughness against a more physical Essendon.
History repeated itself in 2002 when Whelan played every game but was forced out in round 22 with a calf injury, and another finals series went begging.
In a rare report for rough play in 2003 for what appeared to be a dangerous throw on Shane Crawford he was later cleared by the tribunal of any infringement.
During the 2004 Elimination Final, Melbourne were drawn to play rivals Essendon. With about five minutes to go in the first half, Whelan knocked James Hird unconscious with a strong shirtfront, re-gathered the ball and fed it off to Travis Johnstone who finished off the play with a goal to bring up double figures for the Demons. Whelan, playing his first final, was one of Melbourne's best, picking up 22 possessions and a match high five tackles.
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