31 Paul Wheatley [189cm 87kg 12.04.81 - 132 games (19 in 2008) 33 goals (2 in 2008)] - overcame a long string of injury woes and took on the role of an attacking half-back flanker /wingman with relish to produce his best season after nine years with the club.

The long kicking Wheatley was club leader in total kicks and second behind Cameron Bruce in total disposals. He was also also the club's equal best in the Brownlow voting (along with Brock McLean) on five votes and is one of the contender’s for Thursday night's "Bluey" Truscott Medal.

That's the sort of contribution we expect from Wheats every season. He is handy, and the raking kick is a valuable extra. He is versatile without ever being a physical threat. He is reliable, consistent and has currency in trade talks (that bit puts him at some risk after such an abysmal year overall). Wheatley is now one of the first picked...

Our most underated player by a mile

and the first definitly picked each week

disciplined, great one on one, and gets a heap of the footy every week!!!

one of my favs

If Wheatley can produce the same form over the next 3-4 years he will go onto play over 200 games for the Melbfc. That would be a terrific career over a tumultuous period for the club.

Well done Wheats on your efforts this season.

PS.> Hard to believe that he has chalked up nine seasons with the club. Quiet achiever really, in terms of longevity.

I have to confess I dont mind ol' Wheats. !! He seems to have inched up his game a littlel this year and hopefully can refine it a bit more lext year along with simlar consitancy.

I often feel Paul is let down by some of his fellow Dees when attempting to put the bal lto advantage.,..and they just dont get there. This makes him look a goose ..but i can see the method in the madness. Players like this can break floods because of long accurate kicking.. but takes two to tango

Onya Wheats.. keep in up son..

geez. i can't believe i'm hearing this. he has a first good season and he's a heroe and almost out best player at the club. finally delivered, lucky to be still on the list after his previous 8 years ( i don't know how he survived). i will say he had a very good year. but it's about 8 years too late