| Matthew Whelan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| 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 | ||
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2000–2009 | Melbourne | 150 (15) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2009. | |||
| 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, recruited from the Northern Territory was a reliable defender/back pocket known by Demons fans as "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, and he ended up at the Tribunal many years over unsightly plays.