Matthew Whelan
| Matthew Whelan | |||
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| Personal information | |||
| Original team(s) | Darwin Buffaloes (NT), Woodville-West Torrens (SA) | ||
| Debut | Round 4, April 2, 2000, Melbourne Demons vs. St Kilda Saints, at Melbourne Cricket Ground | ||
| Height / weight | 180cm / 80kg | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
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Melbourne Demons (2000-) 113 Games, 11 Goals | |||
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of Round 10, 2006. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Matthew Whelan (born November 13, 1979) is an indigenous Australian rules football player.
Whelan is originally from Darwin in the Northern Territory, where he played rugby league at junior levels.
Wearing the number 45 jersey, Whelan is a reliable defender/back pocket known by Demons fans simply as the "Wheels".
He is also nicknamed "the 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, results in spectacular, almost spear tackle like throws of opponents.
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. [1]
Whelan has had a stellar season in 2006, marred only by minor injuries to his calf and hamstring.
Nathan Brown incident
During the final quarter of the Melbourne v Richmond game on May 27, 2005, Richmond attacked in their 50 when Whelan came from nowhere to smother Nathan G. Brown's kick. Because Brown was kicking with his left boot Whelan landed on his right foot, and, in front of horrified Friday Night Football viewers broke his leg. Replays were constantly played on the news, including Sports Tonight and FOX Sports News. Whelan said that he had felt guilty, given the seriousness of Brown's injury. Brown sat out the rest of the season, while Whelan went on to record a not-so-ordinary season.
James Hird incident
During the 2004 AFL Finals Series, Melbourne were drawn to play most-hated rivals Essendon. With about 5 minutes to go in the first half, and with Melbourne in trouble, Whelan knocked James Hird unconscious in a strong shirtfront, regathered 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.
Luke Ball incident
During the 2007 season opener against St. Kilda, Whelan turned his back and collided with Luke Ball. The severe collision injured both players, resulting in both coming off the ground, with the back of Whelan's head lacerating Ball's forehead. Ball was carried off the ground with a laceration to his head, although both players later returned to play out the game. Whelan was charged for rough play based on the video. The charge, however, was later dropped as the high contact was ruled as an accidental clash of heads, while Ball continued a slow recovery from the injury.[1]
External links
- Matthew Whelan's profile on the official website of the Melbourne Football Club