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Matthew Whelan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Personal Info | |
|---|---|
| Birth | November 13, 1979, |
| Recruited from | Darwin Buffaloes (NT), Woodville-West Torrens (SA) |
| Height/Weight | 180cm / 80kg |
| Playing Career¹ | |
| Debut | Round 4, April 2, 2000, Melbourne Demons vs. St Kilda Saints, at Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Team(s) | Melbourne Demons (2000-)
113 Games, 11 Goals |
| ¹ Statistics to end of Round 10, 2006 season | |
| Career Highlights | |
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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.
Contents |
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.
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.
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.