MATTHEW WHELAN

FAST FACTS

CLUB: Melbourne Football Club

NUMBER: 45

HEIGHT: 180

WEIGHT: 84kg

DOB: 13/11/1979

DEBUT: Rd 4 1997

GAMES 2008: 0
CAREER: 140

GOALS 2008: 1
CAREER: 14

RECRUITED FROM: Darwin (NT) & Woodville-West Torrens (SA)

AFL AWARDS:

CLUB AWARDS:

BROWNLOW VOTES:

ABOUT MATTHEW

Arguably one of the most improved players in the AFL, Wheatley had a fine season in 2008 bettering anything he’d done in his previous eight seasons. Had more disposals (462 at 24 a game), marks (124 at six a game) and tackles (41) than before and five times he topped 30 disposals or better. Gathered a career-high 36 touches against West Coast in round 20 and collected three Brownlow Medal votes for that performance. Finished third in the AFL for defensive clearances with 84. A fine running defender, he becomes a 10-year player for the Demons in 2009.